Opelika Observer 05-09/2018 E-Edition

pelika O Observer

Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Vol. 10, No. 31

Opelika, Alabama

“By local people, for local people.”

Beauregard student launches jewelry line

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Opelika Fire Department’s new Station No. 1 unveiled Wednesday

By Morgan Murphy For the Opelika Observer The Opelika Fire Department held a grand opening/ribboncutting ceremony for their new Station No. 1 last Wednesday.

The event began with a prayer from Pastor Isaac Nunn as well as an introduction from Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller.

Chief Byron Prather followed by acknowledging past and present members of OFD,

thanking them for their hard work.

“We are blessed with a lot of history here and a lot of dedicated men who worked and dedicated their lives to this job,” Prather said.

Former Fire Chief

Albert Smith, fire chief from 1978-1990, shared his thoughts on the new building.

“This is an honor for me to be here, and it was an honor to work with this fire departSee Station, page A2

Special to the Opelika Observer

By Michelle Key Editor Makana Willis is a 15-year-old sophomore at Beauregard High School and a jewelry designer. She also has Down Syndrome.

Last fall when Makana’s mom, Pam, was working on the angel ornaments that she hand crafts and sells, Makana handed her mom a drawing of an angel. This drawing was one of the first

indications that Makana had been watching her mom’s creative work closer than Pam thought.

Pam started letting Makana pick out which beads to purchase stating that they would sometimes spend hours looking through the online catalogs while Makana made her choices, voicing her preferences for necklaces, See Jewelry, page A2

Ampersand Wine Bar to Tommy Battle talks issues, expand, rebrand in former ideas for making Alabama home of Factory South a smart place to live, work

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

The country’s largest by-the-glass selection wine bar is expanding its downtown Opelika location.

Ampersand Wine Bar, owned and operated by Opelika native Nelson

Marsh, will fill the void left in the same building by artisan maker/shop Factory South on South Railroad Avenue, which closed in January.

Marsh shared some of his plans for Ampersand, which includes the addiSee Ampersand, page A8

Garden in the Park held Saturday

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Keep Opelika Beautiful’s 13th annual “Garden in the Park” was held last Saturday at Municipal Park. The free event, known locally as “Opelika’s premiere arts and crafts festival,” featured activities for children including petting zoos, moonwalks and rides on the Rocky Brook Rocket. Local vendors also sold home-raised plants and handcrafted artwork. Turn to A11 for more photos from the event.

Index OPINION.....................................A4 COUNTY NEWS............................A5 SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY.............A7 SPORTS......................................B1

RELIGION.................................B3 LEGALS.......................................B11 ENTERTAINMENT.......................B12 CALENDAR.............................B14

Special to the Opelika Observer

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Former Huntsville mayor and Republican gubernatorial candidate Tommy Battle visited with Opelika Observer staff last Wednesday to discuss his ideas and offer solutions to statewide

issues.

Following is a background on Battle and an overview of his core beliefs and values that will guide him as Alabama’s governor if elected.

Background See Battle, page B5

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A2 May 9, 2018

Station, from A1

Jewelry, from A1

as if she had done it a thousand times.

Not only did Makana design the line, she closed the deal,” Pam said.

Butterfly Kidz is now being sold exclusively at the Fringe Kids pop-up boutique located inside O Town Ice Cream located on S. Railroad Avenue in Opelika.

“Makana has a genuine interest in creating with me and shows promise of becoming a great artisan and business owner. It is a dream of mine to one day open a studio with her working with other talented special needs individuals so they too can share their creations,” Pam said.

mom does the assembly work. She also drew the butterfly picture that is the logo for the line.

Recently, Pam approached Jennifer Graham, owner of Fringe and Fringe Kids in downtown Opelika and made arrangements to drop off some samples of Makana’s jewelry.

During a follow-up meeting to discuss the possibility of carrying the Butterfly Kidz line, Graham addressed Makana about her jewelry. Makana took over and started showing off the pieces, telling Graham about each one.

“My heart swelled with pride as I watched her present and sell

bracelets and earrings. It was during one of these searches that Makana found a butterfly charm that said “Butterfly Kidz” on one side and “I am special” on the other. “It became the inspiration for a new jewelry line designed

by Makama,” Pam said.

With Makana’s choices made, Pam placed the first order for the new line. Once the basic designs were in placed, Makana began selecting each and every bead to go in each piece and her

ment…this is an honor for me to see,” Smith said.

The ceremony ended with a ribbon cutting in front of the new building and the doors were open for the public to tour the inside of the station.

The new building holds larger offices, dorms, a conference

room, and much more to house a full shift of 70 people. This facility will now bring together firefighters,emergency medical services personnel, as well as training and inspection officers under one roof.

Fuller said the new facility will serve as a symbol of gratitude to both the department and its staff for their service to the community.

“They deserved a new, better facility for a

long long time…it was a way for us to say we appreciate what you’re doing,” Fuller said.

When asked about the fate of the previous Station No. 1, Fuller said that decision will fall on the shoulders of both he and the city council.

“We will get it appraised and it will be sold,” Fuller said.

The new fire station is located next to City Hall on 7th Street in downtown Opelika.

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Top, Opelika Fire Department Capt. David Davis displays the use of his hands to colleagues after the ceremony. Davis, who received second-degree burns during fire-training exercises earlier this year, is progressing in his recovery. Bottom left, Mayor Gary Fuller and members of the city council perform a ribbon cutting for the new station. Bottom right, former OFD Fire Chief Albert Smith addresses the audience.

Special to the Opelika Observer

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Phone: 334.749.8003 Fax: 334.749.8009 editor@opelikaobserver.com

Editor: Michelle Key Associate Editor: Morgan Bryce Journalist: Shawn Kirkpatrick Marketing: Woody Ross, Doug Horn and Emily Key Photographer: Robert Noles

w w w. o p e l i k a o b s e r v e r . c o m 216 S. 8th Street, Opelika, AL 36801 Copyright 2009. All right reserved. Opelika Observer is published weekly by Opelika Observer, 216 S 8th St. Opelika, AL 36801. Periodicals postage is paid at Opelika, AL. USPS #025104 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Opelika Observer, 216 S. 8th Street, Opelika, AL 36801

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quested by contacting the Editor at (334) 749-8003.

pelika O Observer

A3 May 9, 2018

Lee County Humane Society joins ‘2018 Saving Pets Challenge’ to keep pets out of shelters, find homes Special to the Opelika Observer The Lee County Humane Society has joined the 2018 Saving Pets Challenge, a fundraising competition on CrowdRise, the largest crowdfunding platform for good.

The 2018 Saving Pets Challenge is dedicated to raising money and awareness for organizations focused on keeping companion pets out of shelters and securing their placement in loving homes.

Participating organizations will compete for a total of $250,000 in prize money. The Lee County Humane Society has joined the Challenge on CrowdRise in hopes

of raising money to support the welfare, health, and the pursuit of forever homes for thousands of dogs and cats annually in the Auburn-Opelika area.

The Lee County Humane Society works every day to help the homeless pets in Auburn and Opelika.

The organization gives them a safe place to rest and heal while they try to find them forever homes. The Michelson Saving Pets Challenge is an amazing opportunity to raise some money for upcoming projects they have planned at the shelter, including improvements to their play yard, to help keep their animals healthy, well exercised and happy while they wait

to meet their new owners.

“Last year, LCHS cared for three thousand animals, we expect even more animals to walk through our doors this year” said Mary Wynne Kling, Outreach and Development coordinator. “On average, dogs spend 23.9 days and cats spend 51.6 days with us waiting to be adopted. We want that time to be as pleasant for our animals as possible.

Raising an additional $50,000, would make a huge difference for the animals we care for while they are in the shelter.”

The 2018 Saving Pets Challenge launched on CrowdRise May 1 and runs through May 31

at 1 p.m. The team that raises the most money during the Challenge wins $50,000, 2nd place wins $30,000, 3rd place wins $20,000, 4th place wins $10,000, and 5th place wins $5,000.

Weekly Bonus Challenges enable charities to win up to another $35,000.

CrowdRise Challenges are innovative fundraising competitions for charitable organizations designed to build capacity, create massive engagement and leverage, and use the power of the crowd to provide new meaningful funding streams for organizations in every sector.

To help the Lee County Humane Society win the 2018 Saving Pets Challenge, follow these steps:

- head to www. crowdrise.com/leecounty-humane-society - click the donate button - select how much you would like to give, or type in your custom amount - share with your friends!

ABOUT LEE COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY Lee County Humane Society was founded in 1974 to address the growing number of stray animals in our community.

They began as a group of dedicated volunteers who took animals into their homes while they tried to find them the perfect forever homes.

They acquired property in 1976 and received

enough generous donations to hire staff members. As the highway near them expanded, they began looking for a new home in 1990.

They built the new facility and are still there today, working their hardest every day to care for abandoned and unwanted animals until they find loving homes.

Their mission is to advance the humane treatment and responsible ownership of companion animals in Auburn and Opelika cities through community education, animal sheltering and adoption, and alleviation of animal suffering.

In the last five years, they have increased their live release rate from 75% to over 90% and are working to improve this even more.

Lee County Commission tackles bridge replacement issues, concerns

By Fred Woods For the Opelika Observer In October 2014 the Lee County Commissioners unanimously approved construction of a new bridge to replace the old one-lane bridge, built in 1934, across Saugahatchee Creek on Lee Road 65 northwest of Loachapoka. Lee Road 65 is off Lee Road 188 (the old Waverly Road), and runs westward about two miles to a dead end.

A number of concerned citizens living on the western side of the bridge came to the

meeting. They protested the long detour necessary while the bridge was being replaced and asked that the old bridge be left in place while the new one was being built.

The county estimated the cost of this latter alternative which would require the relocation of the new bridge and relocating the road after the new structure was completed to be something more than $200,000 which was judged too expensive for the county to undertake.

For various reasons, the beginning of construction has been de-

layed and is now scheduled to begin in early January of next year.

Once construction begins the road will be closed from nine to 12 months. Since there is no alternative detour the lengthy (12 to 15 miles) detour route must be used for that period of time.

The group of citizens came back to last week’s commission meeting to repeat their earlier protests but the commissioners held fast to their original decision.

Sometimes progress has a price. And while

the commission regrets the nine to 12 month inconvenience to those residents, the county Highway Department has already spent more than $40,000 in planning and design work for the new bridge and the old 1934 bridge has long since outlived its estimated useful life. County Engineer Justin Hardee pledged to complete the project just as quickly as humanly possible.

In other action, the commission: - heard Richard LeGrand announce his candidacy for the District

5 commission seat being vacated by John A. Harris, - heard property owner Peter Byrd remind commissioners of the deterioration of Lee Road 106 due to usage by heavy equipment from East Lake subdivision, - approved the plat for Trailing Point Subdivi-

sion off Lee Road 360 on the north side of Halawakee Creek in Beulah, - received nomination of Dozier Smith T for vacant seat on East Alabama Health Care Authority Board, and - elected Lamar Sims and Linda Holt to fill two vacancies on the Beulah Utilities District Board.

May is ‘National Celiac Awareness Month’

Dining Out Gluten-Free: Jersey Mike’s

By Michelle Key Editor

In December 2017, Jersey Mike's added Udi's brand gluten-free sub rolls to their menu.

After providing training to their employees they rolled out their gf options to their customers.

Jo Card, Tiger Town location manager, explained that their store has dedicated staff that are the only ones to handle glutenfree orders. When a customer orders a gluten-free sandwich, the employee that has been trained in safety protocols goes in the back, washes their hands, dons clean gloves and prepares an area for creating

the sandwich. The rolls arrive from the manufacturer individually wrapped and sealed and the restaurant has dedicated containers of mayonnaise, other sauces and even certain utensils that are only used for the glutenfree subs to help prevent cross contamination.

With the exception of just a few items such as the meatballs and breaded chicken, most of Jersey Mike's menu can be ordered using the gluten-free bread, giving patrons a wide variety of sandwich options.

The Opelika location of Jersey Mike's is at 2336 Tiger Town Parkway and is open daily from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

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Special to the Opelika Observer

A4 May 9, 2018

pelika O Opinion

Now a word about Congress Jefferson County Store

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who will run for public ofam a packrat. fice. I grew up in a politiI save all sorts of stuff. cal family – sheriffs and a Figure it will be imporcircuit clerk – so I know tant one day. how difficult, indeed imWell, this might be the day. possible, it is to make votRecently I came across the ers happy. (In one elecresults of a survey conducted tion more people liked the a decade ago by Public Policy By Hardy Jackson other guy than liked my Polling (PPP), results that Daddy, which only goes seem pertinent today. to show you how ignorant the citizenry The headline demanded my attention.: can be.)

“Congress Less Popular than CockSo it is hardly surprising that accordroaches, Traffic Jams” ing to the survey some folks would Yessir, the folks at PPP surveyed 830 have a more favorable opinion of American voters, asked them a bunch playground bullies than members of of questions, things I never would have Congress, though from the way conthought of like “What do you have gressmen act I suspect many were once a higher opinion of: Congress or the bullies on the playground.

Kardishians?” and the answers they got These comparisons were made about turned up all sorts of fascinating things. a decade ago, after the 112th Congress The poll began simply enough. Those proved exceptional in its lack of propolled were asked “Do you have a faductivity. Some argue that subsequent vorable or unfavorable opinion of ConCongresses have broken the 112th regress?” Only 9 per cent replied “favorcord, but that is for another survey. able.

The point is that because the 112th PPP could have stopped right there, accomplished so little, the people but instead, survey in hand, the pollsters polled reported a higher opinion of root polled bravely ahead, asking questions canals, colonoscopies, and cockroaches that were more probing and specific and than of the senators and representatives revealing. that gathered in Washington D. C. to The PPP discovered, for example, that do the people’s business. those surveyed held a higher opinion of Now friends, I sorta feel sorry for Congress than of telemarketers and liked Congress more than they liked lobbyists, those folks who, collectively, are so North Korea, and Ebola. However, those roundly disliked by the people who should be proud of them for doing polled freely admitted that if forced to what they do. choose between Congress and Genghis But on the other hand, because the Khan, they would pick the leader of the poll deals with the Congress as a body Mongol hoards any day. and not congressmen individually, it You could tell from the questions beis possible for the respondents to think ing asked and the comparisons being that someone else’s congressman is drawn that PPP was surveying a broad less admirable than, say, NFL replaceaudience made up of educated folks ment referees, while believing that who could and would venture informed opinions on whether they liked Congress their own congressman is preferable to more than Fidel Castro, Nickelback, and meth labs or Communism.

It is always the other guy who is the Lindsey Lohan. problem.

The people polled were also politiStill, it must be troubling to the men cally diverse. A quarter of them told the pollsters that they considered themselves and women who go out on the camto be very conservative while another 25 paign trail and convince voters that they are not just preferable to the other percent said they were merely moderguy but also preferable to gonorrhea ate. The remaining half were scattered among very liberal (13 percent), some- (which the poll revealed that Congress is). Victorious they then go off to what liberal (18 percent), and somewhat conservative (19 percent) – pretty Washington full of hopes and ideals, only to find themselves belonging to a balanced if you like balance. group that citizens find less appealing The sample was also neatly split bethan cockroaches. tween men and women, young and old That has got to hurt. and in between, as well as Democrats For as we all know, you are judged and Republicans. The only imbalance by the company you keep. was that the sample was 66 percent But look on the bright side, more white, roughly the same percentage people liked Congress than like the that had a higher opinion of brussel Kardashians – though not by much. sprouts than of Congress (the sigHarvey H. (Hardy) Jackson is Pronificance of which you can decide for fessor Emeritus of History at Jackyourself).

Now let me pause here and say that I sonville State University. He can be have a grudging admiration for anyone reached at hjackson@cableone.net.

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mento-colored blasphemy est Alabama from Winn-Dixie. This is is alive. The homemade stuff. wide fields I sit at a red-and-white are painted in goldencheckered table. I fold my rods. Green live oaks hands and say grace. And everywhere. A cow I ask that whoever hears chews cud, watching me Up There tells Ellie cars on the highway.

By Sean Dietrich Mae that she’s missing a It’s a perfect day. good day.

I should be happy.

While I eat, I’m feeling someBut I haven’t been myself since thing. The clouds break. I’m smiling. my floppy-eared dog went to the Maybe it’s the food. Maybe it’s the Great Beyond. Ellie Mae has been photograph of Hank Aaron on the gone a few days; my passenger seat wall. never looked so vacant. I haven’t Maybe it’s the sacks of Domino felt like talking. I haven’t even been Sugar, the MoonPies, the bottled hungry.

Coke, or the Nehi. I’m a kid again.

A road sign ahead.

A happy child in a rural mercantile.

“Jefferson Country Store,” it This is a happy place. This is a reads. happy burger. Tony and Betsy are I’m in no mood to stop.

But then, I’m a sucker for country happy people.

They are salt-of-the-earth folks stores. The building is clapboards who deliver tobacco to old men who and tin. Rusted Royal Crown Cola can’t leave the house. Folks who signs and old posters for Nehi, volunteer for community barbecues, Grapico, and MoonPies. A United raising money for the fire departStates Postal Service sign out front. ment. They give up weekends to An American flag. paint the community center.

I pull over.

This is a real town. And these are The front door is propped open.

An attic fan is going. A hand painted real folks.

Folks who still leave casseroles on sign advertises hoop cheese, hog front porches for newlyweds, grievhead souse, and cut meats. Tony is ing families, or anyone with the flu. behind the counter, taking it easy.

Tony has parting gifts to send He recognizes me. with me. He hands me a fifty-pound “Hey Sean,” he says.

Styrofoam cooler. Inside is sausage, Do what?

The last thing I expected to be rec- chicken salad, bologna, hoop cheese, pulled pork, honey buns, hog head ognized in the sticks of Jefferson. cheese, and pork cracklins.

He shakes my hand. His wife, And candy cigarettes.

Betsy, hugs me. And even though It’s too much. He’s being too genI’m a stranger, they treat me like erous. I tell him there’s no need. But it’s homecoming. Tony offers me a Tony won’t have it. He smiles and burger. says: “We both love you, thanks for “No thanks,” I say. After all, I’m visiting our country store.” not in the mood, I’m too busy feelMore hugs. ing sorry for myself today.

But I’m the one who should be Tony isn’t about to let me go hungry. In this part of the world, that’s a doing all the thanking today. My day started sad, but Tony and Betsy sin. In seconds, the grill sizzles and changed that. this place is alive.

So right now I’m driving, eating I’m looking at this country store. hoop cheese. The sun is shining.

My entire childhood is on these My passenger seat has a ghost with shelves. MoonPies, Star Crunches, floppy ears sitting in it. She’s pretty PayDays, pickled pig feet, quail as a song. eggs, Golden Eagle syrup, ribbon She left me better than she found cane syrup, rag bologna, and of me. That was the best burger I’ve course, red rind hoop cheese. had in years.

As a boy, my mother would carry me to a country gas station to buy Sean Dietrich is a columnist, me hoop cheese and a bottled Coke. and novelist, known for his comFor dessert, she’d give me candy mentary on life in the American cigarettes.

South. His work has appeared in Today, a mother could get twenty Southern Living, the Tallahasto life for giving a child candy cigasee Democrat, Southern Magarettes. zine, Yellowhammer News, the My burger is ready. Tony has Bitter Southerner, the Mobile made a fat patty topped with dollops Press Register and he has auof pimento cheese. This isn’t the pithored seven books.

Inside the Statehouse

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e are less than four weeks away from our June 5 primary. Those of us who follow Alabama politics had pointed to this year as being a very entertaining and interesting gubernatorial year.

However, last year’s resignation by former Governor, Robert Bentley and the ascension of Kay Ivey from Lt. Governor to the Governor’s office has put a damper on the excitement we anticipated in the governor’s race.

Kay took over the reins of state government and her appearance as a seasoned veteran of state politics seems to resonate with voters.

Polling indicates that the governor’s race is hers to lose. Therefore, the less she does may be the best course. Her support is a mile wide and an inch deep. A slip and fall could derail her train.

see Valley Her perch with a good reminds me friends and of a story surneighbors rounding the vote. The last truly colEvangelical orful southern Roy Moore governor, Edvoters apwin Edwards of Louisiana.

By Steve Flowers pear to be coalescing Ole Edwin around Evangelist Scott had a wide lead like Dawson.

Kay’s in the polls a few My guess is that Walt weeks prior to his race Maddox, the young for reelection as gover45-year old mayor of nor of the Pelican state.

Tuscaloosa, is benefitting The press asked him from a grass roots support two weeks out about his among African American significant lead in the polls. Edwin’s reply was, voters in the Democratic primary. If indeed this “Yeah, the only way that is the case, Maddox will ole Edwin can lose this be favored to capture the race is to get caught in Democratic nomination. bed with a dead woman Will Barfoot has or a live boy.” emerged as the frontrunTommy Battle, the ner in the closely watched popular mayor of Huntsopen Montgomery/River ville, is poised to make Region Republican seat. a formidable run at Kay in the closing weeks. He Incumbent State Senator Paul Bussman is in a has some money in the close contest with Cullbank and will come out man City Council Presiof the vote rich Tennes-

dent Garlan Grudger.

Polling indicates that this one may be too close to call. Bussman’s departure from the GOP Senate Caucus has given his constituents the perception that he may be rendered ineffective. This district is politically savvy.

Veteran educator, Wayne Reynolds, may be poised to win the State Board of Education District 8 seat in the Huntsville-Tennessee Valley area being vacated

by Mary Scott Hunter.

Mary Scott and Sam Givhan are battling for an open state Senate seat in Huntsville. This race is one of the best Senate races in the state. Both Givhan and Hunter are heirs to great Alabama legacies. Givhan’s grandfather was legendary Black Belt State Senator Walter Givhan. Ms. Hunter’s daddy, Scott Hunter, is one of Bear

Bryant’s famous quarterbacks.

Speaking of legends, Alabama political icon, Milton McGregor, was laid to rest a few weeks ago. He would have been 79 today. Montgomery’s Frazer Memorial Methodist Church was overflowing. A good many of the state’s past and present political powers were there, including several past governors and a sitting U.S. Senator.

One of the state’s most famous and personable preachers, John Ed Mathison, presented a masterful sermon. He is a great man. He and his wife were best friends with Milton and Pat. It was actually a joyous political homecoming event. As folks were visiting and reminiscing, one of Alabama’s most prominent pulmonary physicians, Dr. David Thrasher, who has been

a doctor to many famous Alabamians and was one of Milton’s pallbearers was visiting with me and said, “Steve, I was at Governor Wallace’s funeral when Franklin Graham spoke and it doesn’t compare to this.” Then he quipped, “Steve, I got a call from Billy Graham.

He said that he had met a nice guy at breakfast by the name of Milton McGregor. Milton said to tell John Ed to remind the people down here that if they did good and believed in Jesus that they could be a winner too and join him.” That’s what John Ed said.

See you next week.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers.

He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www. steveflowers.us.

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Around Lee County

A5 May 9, 2018

Lee County residents share memories, meaning of Mother’s Day

Photo by Morgan Murphy

Photo by Morgan Bryce

“I celebrate Mother's Day literally everyday, because my mom, she's my best friend. She's always there for me, she's my biggest supporter ... I don't know what I'd do without her. She's my best friend and I thank God for her everyday.” - Mia

“Usually we take my mother out. I have two mothers so we normally buy them gifts and appreciate the love that they give us. Every day should be Mother's Day.” - Jerry Gibson

Photo by Morgan Bryce

“My mom is so important to me, and I think that all mothers in general are so important to the next generations that come.

We don't do anything major on Mother's Day, but we make sure that she knows she's loved and cared for.” - Austin Gudgel

Photo by Morgan Murphy

“(My mother), she means a lot to me.

She's a breast cancer survivor, and she been there for me through the thick and thin, and I stand by her. In the past, I've made homemade gifts for her, or I try to buy her something or take her out to eat.” - Shannon McDuffie

Photo by Morgan Murphy Photo by Morgan Murphy

“Mother's Day is really special when your mother's no longer here and you appreciate the values that she's taught you in life and the love that you had ... I encourage everybody, especially if you got a mom who's living, please go see them, call them, or do something special for them, not only on Mother's Day, but everyday.” - Richard LaGrand Sr.

“We don't always get to celebrate on the day, because everybody's busy, especially mom. Mom holds the world together. She runs a lot of our family's businesses and she also homeschooled me and my brother, was the 'hostest with the mostest', cooked and cleaned and did it all. Now that she's a grandmother and that my wife's a mom, we're going to have our first Mother's Day as a family, which makes it extra special.” - Nelson Marsh

Photo by Morgan Murphy

“Mother's Day to me is a time to celebrate my mom ... she was an educator and she lives in Birmingham. I'm hoping to go get to visit her and spend some time with her. I think that's what she wants most and that's the easiest thing to do is break away for a little while and go speak with her, and maybe even go fishing.” - Drew Riley

Photo by Morgan Bryce

“What we grew up to appreciate is that Mother's Day is just a day to celebrate our mom, and now that we have our own children, what we do not just on Mother's Day but everyday is celebrate our children, appreciate them, love them and care for them like our mom did for us.”

- Jennifer

Smiths Station’s Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art exists to preserve culture, inspire community presence loArt” in Smiths cally. They Station, a nearly were able to 1,200-squaredouble the foot-space they size of their use for teachFor the mothergallery in ing art lessons, daughter painting duo 2010, and holding events of Michele and Sarah have shifted West, art is not only an and exhibiting toward samples of their expression of self, but instruction work. a common denominarather than A lifelong tor that unites humancommisentrepreneur ity and draws it closer sioned work. and businesstogether.

Students woman, Sarah “Art connects us. of all ages said she traces It’s important that we the gallery’s not take our everyday Photos submitted by the Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art and abilities roots back to a Pictured left, Michele and Sarah West. Right, Sarah teaching students in their Smiths Station come from people, places and suras far away roundings for granted,” drawing class studio. as Valley, that she took in Sarah said. “We’re al,” Sarah said. “Those pendent mentor, and presented an opportuOpelika high school with passionate about recimmediately, we fell in nity to open their own interests propelled me and West Point for art ognizing and recording her mother. to seek out further edu- love with it.” studio by one of their lessons. The Wests “I grew up making tangible proof of our Samples of their cation to cultivate those clients, Tim Thomason. also award scholarthings. There isn’t a existence right now in work drew the attenskills, and that came Owner of a buildships to six students time that I can recall our community, state tion and eyes of local together in the form of ing located in downat Wacoochee and and region as a whole.” not being creative and art patrons, and soon, a drawing class. We town Smiths Station, West Smiths Station putting those skills to The two manage both began working on Thomason presented took a drawing class Elementary schools to use, whether it was in and operate the “Sarah commissioned artwork them with a small, help promote and instill fashion, or art in gener- together with an indeWest Gallery of Fine from their Salem 600-square-foot space a love of art into area home. to house their gallery. youth.

Even in the midst of the In 2006, the Wests “I hope that the work joined a Soho-style art Great Recession and in we’re doing (at the an area whose appreco-op in downtown gallery) inspires people Columbus, “Peachtree ciation for art was unto consider about known, Sarah said she Art Studios,” a learnwhat their contribuand her mother knew it tion can be to current ing experience that was a risk worth taking. society and to hispushed them to find “There’s never been their own space. tory as a whole. We another option or some- all have something “In the space we BEAUREGARD DRUGS thing to fall back on. had leased, you as an worth giving, we all artist had the ability to Even at the low points have a capability worth during the early days develop … but when further cultivating, and the copper was stolen of the gallery, most of ultimately, I hope that those were brought on out of the air-condiwe inspire people to be by economic turmoil or stewards,” Sarah said. tioning system, and downfall,” Sarah said. rain was coming into “Stewards of civiliza“It was a very uncertain tion as a whole.” the building, and we Let Tucker Simmons and were mopping out the time for us … but it For more information the staff at Beauregard building and the own- was impossible to think about the Wests, their about the ‘what ifs,’ … gallery, class schedules were not ready to Drugs help you manage ers and I think you have to invest in the building or to see samples of your seasonal allergies. rebuke those doubtful … we just could not their work, visit www. thoughts.” continue to stay in thesarahwestgalleryofSince their 2008 those circumstances,” fineart.com. The gallery opening, the Wests Michele said. is located at 2750 Lee have greatly expanded After a brief return Road 430 in Smiths home, the Wests were their business and Station.

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor

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National Day of Prayer ceremony Tiffany Denson speaks held last Thursday at Courthouse to Opelika Rotary Club Square in downtown Opelika

Special to the Opelika Observer The Opelika Rotary Club enjoyed Tiffany Denson’s update on Opelika Main Street. Denson, president of Opelika Main Street, has plans for exciting new events for the organization moving forward. Pictured from left to right: Harry Cullinan, club president; Denson and Jimmie Collins, club member.

Robert Noles/ Opelika Observer The 67th National Day of Prayer event was held last Thursday at Courthouse Square. The event featured messages and music, as well as prayers for the unity of the country.

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Opelika E vents, Society, & Food SH

Ann Cipperly’s

U PC OM I NG EVENT S: • SUMMER SWING • JODY FULLER - COMEDIAN • STAMP OUT HUNGER • DAVIS BENEFIT • EAST AL CAR SHOW • GARDEN TOUR • FARMER’S MARKET

‘Cook Out’ opens new location in TigerTown

Southern Hospitality

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor

Photo by Ann Cipperly

Mother, daughter share thoughts on motherhood, favorite recipes

A

nita Brown and her daughter, Scarlotte Vaughn, both cherish motherhood, believing it is a gift from God. Both ladies also enjoy cooking for their family and are sharing their best recipes, along with thoughts on being a mother.

On a perfect spring afternoon, we met at Scarlotte’s and her husband Dale’s home on the north side of Opelika in a wooded setting. The Vaughns moved into the house last year to have more space for their three children. The dining room was stunningly decorated with tall candles and lovely linens from a recent dinner.

Scarlotte enjoys decorating, which she says she picked up from her mother. “I feel like I share her same style now,” she says. When Scarlotte was growing up, her parents restored the historic Samford home on 9th Street and decorated it beautifully.

Anita and her husband, Randy, both grew up in Opelika, and they met in high school. When Anita’s father was in the military, he met her mother in Germany. After the war, they were married and moved to Opelika.

“I think a lot of the cooking talent in the family has been passed down from my greataunt,” says Anita. “She spent her life cooking.

She was the cook for a famous opera singer in

Germany. During the war, my aunt hid the opera singer, and my mother was close to them.”

While the Nazis knew her great aunt was hiding the opera singer, they never found her. During the bomb raids, soldiers would not allow her aunt to go to a shelter.

Anita feels it was a miracle that both her aunt and the opera singer survived.

Randy’s family, who owned Southern Electronics, enjoyed southern cooking, while Anita’s mother prepared European style meals. One of the recipes from Randy’s family is an oldfashioned recipe using canned tomatoes with saltine crackers.

When Anita was growing up, she watched her mother cook, as she explained how to prepare the dishes. Anita did the same when teaching her daughters to cook.

Scarlotte is the oldest of three children.

“When I had cancer at 33 years of age,” says Anita, “Scarlotte was about 10 years old, but she helped me so much. She was there to bring me things and helped with her siblings, who were 4 and 3. Scarlotte was a blessing.”

When Scarlotte was attending Opelika High School she met Dale at a swimming meet.

Dale was a student in high school in Sylacauga. They became friends and started

dating when they were seniors at Auburn University.

Scarlotte went to New York City for her internship. She then moved to Birmingham where Dale was living.

Two and a half years later, they married and moved to Opelika in 2004.

Dale is the owner of two businesses, V3 Media Group, which does website development, and Riipl, an integrated computer software development company.

They have three children, Tripp, 11, Georgia, 10, and Thomas, 6 years old. All the children attend Trinity Christian School.

Until last year, Scarlotte worked as managing editor of East Alabama Living magazine. “Once the children were busy in swimming and dance,” she says. “I felt like I was stretching myself out too thin. I felt I could be there more for my children if I was not working. I help Dale some with his books.”

Scarlotte enjoys cooking for her family and feels her mother’s love of cooking influenced her. When she was a young child, she began cooking eggs, cookies and macaroni and cheese.

She now relies on her Instant Pot two or three times a week after activities with the children. The night before she had marinated See Cipperly, page B10

One of America’s fastest growing restaurant chains has come to Opelika.

“Cook Out,” based out of Greensboro, North Carolina, opened the doors of its new Tiger Town location last Tuesday.

Known for its freshnot-frozen charbroiled burgers and 40-flavorplus selection of milkshakes, Store Manager Will Reynolds said he believes Cook Out will become one of Opelika’s culinary destinations.

“I think what really sets us apart is our value. We cook our burgers like you would at home - it’s a real chargrill, and we use grade-A meat that’s

delivered seven days a week from North Carolina,” Reynolds said. “We take expensive measures to ensure higher quality.

We turn around, and cook those quality ingredients properly, just like you would at home. Then, we sell them with our regular meal for $4.99, and it’s a value. For a family of four, you can eat for 20 bucks, which is unheard of nowadays.”

In addition to burgers, fries and shakes, the menu offers other Southern fare, including hush puppies, barbecue chicken sandwiches and more.

Reynolds said his location is actively seeking new employees.

With more than seven years of experience working for Cook Out,

he added that benefits of working for them include unlimited, performance-based overtime and opportunities for rapid advancement.

“All of our hiring is done in-store with on paper applications.

Currently, we’re doing interviews more or less on the spot,” Reynolds said. “We’re a performance-driven company, and we prefer to promote from within a lot.

It can be a very lucrative profession, and not typical fast food pay.

There’s no glass ceiling here.”

Cook Out’s hours are 10:30 a.m. - 3:10 Sunday - Thursday, and 10:30 a.m. - 4:10 a.m.

Friday and Saturday.

The store is located at 2168 Interstate Drive next to Steak ‘N Shake.

Bi-annual ‘Garden Tour’ slated for May 19-20

By Morgan Murphy For the Opelika Observer The Lee County Master Gardeners of Alabama will be hosting their bi-annual “Garden Tour" May 19 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and May 20 from 1-5 p.m.

The tour will consist of five gardens in Auburn and five gardens in Opelika, with one of those being an educational demonstration garden.

Types of gardens included in the tour are: entertaining gardens, a trillium garden, vegetable gardens, an orchid house, an orchard including a bee demonstration, vintage gardens, two brand new lake gardens, historical gardens and more.

“You can have a garden anywhere, and that is one of the things the master gardeners try to promote, you can plant anywhere," said tour

coordinator and Master Garden Sheila Allen.

“These are wonderful gardens, it will be a delightful day, I have never heard anything but great things about it…there is something for everyone."

Tickets for the event are $30 in advance and $35 the day-of. They include one lunch on either day from Chicken Salad Chick.

The Lee County Master Gardeners is a nonprofit group that promotes the education of a wide array of topics. Each year, proceeds from the event

are used to give out a scholarship to a local college student.

For more information or to purchase tickets, reach out to any master gardener or visit one of the following locations where tickets are sold: - Auburn Chamber of Commerce, located at 714 E Glenn Ave. - Aces Hardware, located at 2101 E University Drive - The Potting Shed, located at 4137 Moores Mill Road - Heritage Gifts and Gourmet, located at 108 S 8th St. - Wild Birds Unlimited, located at 1550 Opelika Road - The New Blossom Shop, located at 905 Geneva St.

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Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Pictured are parts of Ampersand Wine Bar. Owned by Opelika native Nelson Marsh, the business is set to undergo renovations and expansions to accomodate its growing customer base and demand. Marsh said Ampersand possesses a 300 by-the-glass wine selection, making it the largest in the United States. The expansion will fill the space of Factory South, which closed in January.

Ampersand,

from A1

tion of nearly 75 seats, cellar, new decor, wine appreciation courses and more.

“We’re going to build out a new, Lshaped bar up front, and use this space here in the back for hosting private events and as a VIP area. We’ll be re-theming our aesthetics too and going more with an art deco, art

nouveau (style) and pushing back from the eclectic mid-century look that we have right now,” Marsh said.

“Another big thing is adding in a proper wine cellar … I have some really fantastic reserve wines coming in that I’m excited for our customers (to try).”

Ampersand opened in November 2016.

Starting with only 2530 bottles by the glass, Marsh said that number has grown to nearly 300.

“We don’t have any menus and we let people sample anything they want. So, you can have a taste of the world’s number-one Riesling, something incredible from Bordeaux or something fun and funky from Spain and Italy,” Marsh said. “Whenever I go to tastings or a winerelated event, I have people ask me ‘where are you doing this?’, and they can’t believe I’m doing it here in downtown Opelika. We

have people here that travel around the world … an if they go somewhere like New York (City), Paris or London and have a great wine experience, where they can go around here and find something similar?

I think that’s where we fit in and culturally, downtown Opelika is a great place for this concept.”

Marsh said he expects Ampersand’s expansion to be completed in early August.

Once completed, he

said he will hold a grand re-opening party for patrons and visitors to experience the new look and feel of the wine bar.

Despite the changes, Marsh said the bar will maintain its laid-back, quiet ambience and charm.

“I still think that we’re providing something unique for folks here in downtown. It’s a place you can go on a date night and it’s not loud or packed full of students,” Marsh said.

“There’s no tv’s and we still do all of our music on vinyl. So, it’s just a calmer, quieter experience for someone who wants to have a nice night out.”

For non-wine drinkers, Marsh said there is a small selection of craft beers available.

Ampersand’s hours are 3-10 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

The wine bar is located at 817 S. Railroad Ave. Follow the business’s Instagram page for updates.

Auburn-Opelika Habitat for Humanity dedicates 65th home

Special to the Opelika Observer When Tonisha Carr and her three children walked through the door of their new three-bedroom home as its owners last weekend, they were greeted by the aroma of homemade chocolate chip and Snickerdoodle cookies that were the first items to come out of the oven.

Those fresh-fromthe-oven cookies made the house on Auburn Street in Opelika truly feel like home to them after months of anticipation. Carr and her family received the keys April 28 as the Auburn-Opelika

Habitat for Humanity group celebrated the completion and dedication of its 65 th home.

Carr said the house, with its energy-efficient appliances, large yard and “princess” purple bedroom for her daughter, represents a dream come true. Auburn University architecture students designed the home.

“Thank you to the sponsors, volunteers and board members for helping to make our dream of becoming a home owner a reality,” Carr said. “I appreciate all of the hard work and everyone who came out and volunteered.”

More than 60 community members celebrated the dedication of the home, which moves Auburn-Opelika Habitat for Humanity a step closer to its “20 by 2020” goal of completing 20 new homes between 2016 to the end of 2020.

“We have full expectations of meeting that goal,” said Auburn Opelika Habitat for Humanity Board President Aaron Friend.

“To meet that goal, we’ll need just shy of $1 million through donations.”

Auburn Opelika Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Mark Grantham See Habitat, page A9

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‘100 Alabama Miles Challenge’ to begin May 12 Special to the Opelika Observer All Alabamians are encouraged to get outside and walk, run, hike, bike, swim, paddle, ride, or roll with family and friends at state parks, nature preserves, and rivers through the “100 Alabama Miles Challenge.”

A new statewide public program presented by The University of Alabama Center for Economic Development (UACED) and partnering organizations, the challenge officially starts May 12 with kick-off events planned in several cities and towns throughout the state. Alabama State Parks is also an

event partner. The largest event will take place at Railroad Park in Birmingham on May 12 at 9 a.m., and will feature celebrity spokesperson, Noah Galloway, a veteran of the United States Army, an extreme race competitor, and a motivational speaker who was recently a contestant on Dancing with the Stars. Galloway will lead attendees on a one-mile walk around Railroad Park as a symbolic “first mile” of the challenge for 2018.

Also at the Railroad Park event will be the National Institutes of Health’s All of Us Journey, a traveling, hands-on exhibit to raise awareness about the All of Us Research

Program—an ambitious effort to gather data from more than 1 million people living in the United States to accelerate research and improve health.

Organizers invite the public to register for the 100 Alabama Miles Challenge at 100alabamamiles.org, where they will earn electronic badges for milestones they reach and places they visit as they log their miles of activity.

The website enables participants to find recreational trails throughout the state, track their progress individually and by teams, and to get important safety and wellness information before they head outside. Participants

can take the challenge with friends and family, have friendly competitions with others, and share their experiences through the program’s social media platforms.

Participants in the 100 Alabama Miles Challenge can use the #100ALMiles hashtag to share photos and experiences across social media as they rack up their mileage.

“As an ongoing program, the 100 Alabama Miles Challenge will be an important tool to support economic development across our state through recreational tourism,” said Brian Rushing, the program’s coordinator and Director of Economic Development

Initiatives at UACED. “Alabama has so many wonderful parks and beautiful natural areas, and we hope this program inspires people to seek out a previously-unvisited trail or park to get outside and get to their 100 miles goal.”

Dr. Scott Harris, Alabama’s State Health Officer, said that, “Alabamians have high rates of inactivity and obesity and other associated health conditions, including hypertension, and diabetes.

Physical activity plays a major role in preventing obesity and chronic disease, and it is a blessing that Alabama has so many great places to get out and be active. The 100 Ala-

bama Miles Challenge will be an outstanding program to help encourage that activity.”

“Through close partnership between UACED, Alabama Trails Commission, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, Lakeshore Foundation, Jefferson County Department of Health, Governor’s Commission on Physical Fitness and Sports, Alabama Beverage Association, AARP, Alabama Department of Public Health, and Alabama Obesity Task Force, we have developed a fun and engaging program that we think everyone will want to participate in, regardless of their age or ability,” Rushing added.

Opelika’s Big House Foundation to recognize May as ‘Foster Care Awareness Month’ Special to the Opelika Observer Did you know, there are over 5,000 children in foster care in the state of Alabama? Each May, many different organizations and ministries highlight the needs of children in foster care. BigHouse has

many ways for parents to impact the life of a child in foster care in the community.

The Statewide Swimsuit and Towel Drive is wrapping up this spring and we have served 1,336 children across Alabama this year.

Requests were made by social workers all

across the state for children on their caseload to receive a new swimsuit and new beach or bath towel embroidered with their name. The final county is being embroidered this week.

BigHouse will continue to accept donations of new suits and towels all during the

summer, so please don't hesitate to give. Watch for sales and clearances that are a great time to stock up on swimsuits and towels for next spring.

Camps will be back in the Auburn-Opelika community this summer. This is an actionpacked day camp that

will be held on the Lee Scott Campus June 25-29. Cornerstone Church and BigHouse are partnering to provide scholarships for children in foster care and the adopted and biological children of BigHouse families.

Want to sponsor a child at camp this summer?

Any gift is appreciated, and $214 will cover the cost of camp for one child. People can donate through the website, www.ourbighouse.org or by mailing a check to BigHouse at P.O. Box 230 Opelika, AL 36803.

Please notate it for Winshape Camp.

new home and other Habitat for Humanity homes. Friend said that experience provides a unique perspective for the families placed in homes, as well as the volunteers who help bring the structures to life.

“You start thinking about the experience, the sweat equity you put into the house, watching your children grow, the sense of pride in owning that house,” he said.

Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller said the recent dedication represents the sort of event that brings “joy to our hearts.”

“Seeing the children and how excited they were,” Fuller said.

“They showed me their rooms, and I kind of liked the purple one the best.”

About Auburn Opelika Habitat for Humanity:

Auburn Opelika Habitat for Humanity (H4H) is a nonprofit, nondenominational Christian housing organization.

H4H builds quality, affordable homes in partnership with moderate income families and assists these families in developing the necessary skills for successful home ownership. Each homeowner family is required to invest 500 hours of “sweat equity” in the construction of their new home and other Habitat for Humanity homes.

Homes are built with the help of volunteers and tax deductible donations of money and materials. Learn more at http://www.auburnopelikahabitat.org or by contacting Executive Director Mark Grantham at 334-7452123 or by email at mark.a.grantham310@ gmail.com.

Bob Dumas honored with the 2018 Boy Scout Distinguished Citizen Award

By Michelle Key Editor Bob Dumas, President and CEO of Auburn National Bankcorporation Inc., and AuburnBank, was honored last Thursday night at the Boy

Habitat, from A8

Scouts of America Chattahoochee Council 26th Annual Distinquished Citizen Award Dinner.

During the event, attendees had the opportunity to complete pledge cards, committing to support the Chat-

said new sponsors and donors will find that there is a strong return on their investments.

tahoochee Boy Scout Council. They serve not only Lee, Chambers and Russell counties in Alabama, but also counties in Georgia.

A total of $54,800 was pledged during the event.

The organization accepts tax deductible donations of money and building materials. Grantham said the

Opelika build project would not have been possible without the support of the Auburn University College of Architecture, Design and Construction, Auburn University Panhellenic, Auburn Bank, Auburn Rotary, ACI Worldwide, Public Supermarket Charities, Walmart, the Lee County Association of Realtors, the Jonquil Garden Club, the Oak Hill Foundation and the Alabama Association of Habitat Affiliates.

Habitat for Humanity describes itself as a “hand up” and not a “hand out” organization since homeowners must be employed and be able to pay the mortgage for homes in which they are placed.

Each Habitat for Humanity homeowner family is required to invest 500 hours of “sweat equity” in the construction of their

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Photos by Robert Noles

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Opelika City Council adopts character creed, presents award, waives fees for a year Auburn-Opelika branch of Habitat for Humanity

By Shawn Kirkpatrick Opelika Observer First on the agenda at city council Tuesday, was the adoption of the Opelika Character Creed.

“Ten years ago the city council, chamber and school board adopted Opelika as a City of Character. There was a resolution written at that time, so we worked from that resolution,” said Tom Tippet, chairman of the Envision Opelika Character Council.

“The Opelika Character Council came up with a statement of belief, that’s this character creed.”

Mayor Gary Fuller gave an “Atta Boy Award” to Case O’Dell, an engineering technician for the city.

“He joined the engineering department in 2017. His degree is in environmental science, and his experience in erosion and sedimentation became essential to the storm water management in the city,” said Mayor Fuller.

“Having someone like this on staff will provide tremendous credibility and positive advancement in managing ero-

sion control and providing clean water and environment to the citizens of Opelika.”

Mayor Fuller also honored Duke TIP Photos by Shawn Kirkpatrick / Opelika Observer Scholars Susannah “The Westside plant was Couey and built more than 30 years Justin McKemie, both from ago,” said Public Works Opelika Middle School. (The Director Mike Hilyer. “Since Duke University Talent Identhen, no upgrades have been tification Program (Duke TIP) -approved Greg Leikvold to made.” is a nonprofit organization develop a workforce developAlso on the agenda, the that serves academically ment program for the city and council: talented students in 4-12th schools for $30,000.

The city -approved zoning for Grand grades.) and Opelika City Schools will The council voted to waive National’s planned unit split the cost at $15,000 each. a year’s worth of building and development master plan, for -approved negotiations for National Village community. construction fees within city the purchase of property at -approved 160.69 acres limits for the Auburn-Opelika 306 East Ave. for $14,000 for within the Foxchase subHabitat for Humanity group. the city’s new police departdivision on Emerald Lake The council also approved ment. as a low-density residential the upgrade of the Westside -approved $500 from each district.

Waste Water Treatment council members’ discretion-approved W. S. Newell Plant. A contract between the ary accounts to help pay for and Sons, Inc. to remove any city and Constantine EngiLeadership Lee County’s anneering allows for design and rocks encountered during nual graduation ceremony. construction of the Sportsplex construction services at a cost -approved a request to temconnector road project. of $482,000.

Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller names Jake Helms an Opelika ‘city ambassador’

Special to the Opelika Observer Last month, Opelika’s Jake Helms was named “Ambassador to the City of Opelika” by Mayor Gary Fuller.

According to Jake’s mother Luanne, he received the award for “his character, perseverance and encouragement to others.”

Jake, who is 19 years old, has

porarily close 7th St. between Avenue A and Avenue B for the city’s Memorial Day Ceremony.

-approved a request from First Baptist Church of Opelika to close Avenue B between 8th and 9th St. during certain times for Vacation Bible School, June 11-14.

-approved a request for a special events alcohol license for Storybook Farm.

-approved a request from Mini Mart Food Store for a retail beer and wine off-premise license.

non-verbal autism and epilepsy.

During his meeting with Fuller, he used a special speech device to communicate his goals, even mentioning that he wants to be a mayor one day.

Luanne said the meeting was meaningful for Jake.

“The visit was so much fun, and gave Jake a sense of pride and accomplishment,” Luanne said.

You’re Invited to Our

Memorial Day Services Monday, May 28, 2018 10 a.m.

City Hall 204 South 7th Street

Reception

11 a.m.

Museum of East Alabama 121 South 9th Street Special Guest Speaker: Jamie Popwell [Flags for Vets]

always remember

Opelika Schools & Sports Inside • opelika schools • lee county schools • community sports

Turn to B5 for local and statewide political updates

Opelika senior Jamie Lowe recieves prestigious Ron Brown Scholarship

By Shawn Kirkpatrick Opelika Observer

On the Mark

By D. Mark Mitchell

Track and field teams turn in strong showing at state meet last week The Opelika High School girls and boys track and field teams traveled to Gulf Shores last Wednesday to participate in the 2018 AHSAA 6A State Track and Field State Championship Meet.

The girls finished 11th with 23.75 points while the boys scored 58 points to capture 4th place. Homewood High School of Birmingham won on both sides. Opelika's highlight moment came when Jayson Davis won the first pole vault championship in school history.

Following are the results for the Bulldogs.

GIRLS Lazoria Yancey, third in the shot put with a throw of 37-3 and sixth in the discus; A'Nyiah Huguley placed fifth in the javelin with a throw of 114-8; Imani Debrow was sixth in the javelin with a throw of 112-2, eighth in the triple jump and 12th in the high jump and Nikera Durr was sixth in the 400-meter dash.

BOYS Jayson Davis led the Dawgs by winning the pole vault championship; Jaylen Stinson

was second in discus and third in the 100 meters with a time of 10.70 seconds; Jorden Heard was third in the high jump with a jump of 6'6"; Blake Landers placed sixth in the discus and Jerrell Stinson was fifth in the 400-meter dash.

The Opelika track and field teams continue to prosper on the track. The newly renovated track will allow the Bulldogs to host sectional and season meets, which will help cover the cost of running a top-notch 6A program.

BASEBALL CAMP Opelika Baseball Coach Nick Richardson will hold "The OHS Bulldog Summer Baseball Camp" June 5-7 from 8 a.m.

- noon each day for 75 children ages 7-12.

The cost is $100 per camper, and a $50 deposit required at time of registration.

Richardson asks participants to register

by May 26 by mailing your $50 deposit to: "OHS Baseball, 1700 Bulldog Parkway, Opelika, Alabama 36801." The remaining $50 can be See Sports, page B6

In the halls of Opelika High School he’s known as “Mr. President,” but now senior Jamie Lowe is also known as a Ron Brown Scholar. Close to 5,000 AfricanAmerican high school seniors from across the U.S. applied for Ron Brown Scholarships. Lowe was one of 25 students, and the only one from Alabama, to receive one of Special to the Opelika Observer those scholarships.

Jamie Lowe, pictured left, recently traveled to Washington D.C. See Lowe, page B7 where he received the Ron Brown Scholarship.

Four area high school seniors receive fine arts scholarships

Shawn Kirkpatrick / Opelika Observer Dr. Mark DeGoti, assistant professor of trumpet at Auburn Univeristy, Jaylen Williams, OHS, Spann-Freeman Scholarship, Brighton Gregory (not pictured), OHS, Carrie Samford Giles Scholarship, Abby Esco, Lee Scott Academy, Earl Peacock Scholarship and (not pictured) Sarah Elizabeth Brown recipient of the Tom Woodward Scholarship.

By Shawn Kirkpatrick Opelika Observer The Arts Association of East Alabama (AAEA) presented its Fine Arts and Visual Arts Scholarships last Tuesday, to four high school seniors, after their final auditions and interviews. AAEA has awarded annual scholarships since 1966. In 1983 the $1,000 scholarships have been awarded to only high school seniors who are pursuing the

arts.

“Having this scholarship means I will be able to pay for my education and be in theater and fine arts,” Opelika High School (OHS) Senior Jaylen Williams said.

“I really like theater. I plan on being in plays and musicals.”

OHS Senior Brighton Gregory said she’s been playing the French Horn since fifth grade. She will be attending Auburn University in the fall. ”I’m planning on playing in

various ensembles and marching band (at AU). The scholarship means I will be able to further my education and my purpose and my calling.”

Associate Professor of Trumpet at Auburn University Dr. Mark DeGoti was the soul juror for the Fine Arts auditions. Printmaking Instructor at Auburn University Andy Holliday was the juror for the Visual Arts audition. ReceivSee Arts, page B7

B2 May 9, 2018

pelika O Observer

Chelsea boots Opelika 6-0 in second round of AHSAA 6A State playoffs last Tuesday

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika

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Opelika

B3

Family & Religion

May 9, 2018

Too wonderful for me Hunley Group Lambert Transfer & Storage An Interstate Agent for North American Van Lines 1102 Fox Trail Opelika, AL 36803 745-5706

I’ve come to realize as an innumerable host of people have, that I can’t begin to fully fathom, appreciate or explain how great our Father’s love is for us.

It’s like the size of the universe—I understand at some simplistic level that it would take at least 14 billion light years to travel from one “end” to the other but I also recognize at another level those are just words that experientially I have no basis for comprehending.

I’m not at all in despair about this and in fact I am in good company. When speaking of how we are known so intimately and loved ultimately the psalmist says, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, it is too lofty for me to attain” (139:6). Preach on brother.

His love is so much greater than any reference point we have for love. In our efforts to understand divine love

love is we turn to extremely examples helpful of human in underlove because standing that’s the our Fabest we can ther’s love do. There’s By Bruce Green but it has certainly Teaching Minister at its limitanothing 10th Street Church of tions. Pawrong with Christ in Opelika rental love that—Jesus is powerdid the same ful, deep and strong and thing in Matthew 7:7a wondrous thing. Still, 11 when He asked His it’s a little hard to comaudience, “If you, then, pare it to God’s love for though you are evil, the entire creation. It’s know how to give good like comparing our solar gifts to your children, system to the universe. how much more will They are both glorious your Father in heaven but on much different give good gifts to those who ask Him?” He used scales.

So where does all of parental love (evil and this leave me? While I imperfect compared to don’t purport to grasp God’s holy love) as a God’s love at anything launching point for unmore than a basic level, derstanding divine love I can and do join the so we’re not off base in company of those who doing the same thing. recognize it is “too wonHowever, the words “how much more” need derful for me.” I can to be underlined because appreciate that and exthey instruct us as to the press it to God through very real gap that exists the way I think, speak and live. I accept and between earthly and embrace His love more heavenly love. Human

Church Calendar

• Liberty Baptist Church invites everyone to “Music Only” services every fifth Sunday night. Special groups and singers will be invited to participate and lead the worship.

Liberty Baptist is located at 2701 West Point Parkway.

• Every fifth Sunday evening, Lake Pointe Baptist Church, located at 8352 Highway 50 in Dadeville, hosts a gospel singing at 6:30 p.m.

• The Auburn Music Club Singers practice on Tuesdays during the academic year from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in the music ministry room at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church on Church Drive off South Gay Street. New members are welcomed. For more information, contact director Phyllis Gauker at 334-887-7261 or at pgauker@bellsouth.net.

• A community-wide program for people with memory loss will

Catch ‘On the Mark’ with D. Mark Mitchell and Jeff Sasser weekday mornings from 7-9 a.m.

Please submit your church announcements to editor@ opelikaobserver.com!

Content must be turned in by Friday at noon for Wednesday publication.

ANGLICAN Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd 1311 Second Ave. #758-6749 ASSEMBLY OF GOD Bridge Church 1000 Lee Road 263, Cusseta #742-0144 AME Mount Zion AME Church West Point Hwy #749-3916 St. Luke AME Church 1308 Auburn St. #749-1690 St. Paul AME Church 713 Powledge Ave. #745-6279 Thompson Chapel AME Zion 187 Columbus Pkwy #749-8676 BAPTIST Abundant Life Baptist Church 1220 Fox Run Ave. Suite B #7064421464 Airview Baptist Church 2301 Airport Rd. #745-6670 Antioch Baptist Church 605 W. East Morton Ave #742-0696 Bethesda Baptist Church 201 S. 4th St. #745-7528 Bethel Baptist Church Hwy. 29 Sasser Rd #745-4865 Central Baptist Church 1611 2nd Ave. #745-2482 Community Baptist Church 154 N. 16th St. #745-6552 Cornerstone Missionary Baptist 500 N. Railroad Ave. #742-2008 Eastview Baptist Church 1208 Spring Dr #749-9595 Farmville Baptist Church 3607 Alabama Hwy N. #887-7361 First Baptist Church of Opelika

be held at Auburn United Methodist Church every Tuesday and Thursday, starting in May. Classes will last from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. For more information, contact program director Betsy Lethander by email at Betsy.Lethander@aumc.net, or by phone at 334-444-9632 for more information.

• Powell Chapel United Methodist Church will hold a praise and worship service/car show May 20 beginning at 11 a.m. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Dr. Randy B. Kelley at 256-393-1762 or 256- 390-1834. The church is located at 100 Third Place N.E. across from Lafayette High School.

God’s love for us is the transcendent force in our life that provides meaning, strength and hope to us in all circumstances and situations.

To embrace it is to allow the fundamental power behind all creation to drive our lives. To reject it or to under-emphasize it is to hobble down the road of life with punctured tires slapping the pavement and impeding us from our destination.

“I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge— that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:17-29).

Bruce has written an entry level book on Revelation called The Thrill of Hope. It is available through Amazon.

Verse of the Week

“When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought me joy,”

Events can be emailed to the Observer at editor@opelikaobserver.com.

314 S. 9th St. #745-6143 First Baptist Church 301 S. 8th St. #745-5715 First Baptist Church Impact 709 Avenue E #741-0624 First Freewill Baptist Church 103 19th St. #703-3333 Friendship Missionary Baptist 432 Maple Avenue #742-0105 Greater Peace Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave. #749-9487 Heritage Baptist Church 1103 Glenn St. #363-8943 High Hope Baptist Church 227 Lee Road 673 Liberty Baptist Church 2701 West Point Pkwy #749-9632 Love Freewill Baptist Church 1113 Frederick Ave. #745-2905 Ridge Grove Missionary Baptist Church 1098 Lee Road 155 #334-745-3600 Northside Baptist Church 3001 Lafayette Hwy #745-5340 Pepperell Baptist Church 2702 2nd Ave. #745-3108 Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Uniroyal Rd #749-2773 Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Rd 166 #745-0807 Purpose Baptist Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy #704-0302 St. James Baptist Church 1335 Auburn St. #745-3224 Union Grove Missionary Baptist 908 Huguley Rd #741-7770 BUDDHIST Buddha Heart Village 3170 Sandhill Rd. #821-7238

than I understand it.

There are numerous benefits to this. The first is that it allows God to be God and us not to be—that’s always healthy as humility is a cornerstone of Christian character. Then it also tremendously affects how we view forgiveness. If we humanize our Father’s love we’re likely to do the same thing with His forgiveness and wonder if and how His love can eclipse our sin. We will end up as a question mark rather than an exclamation point and that is helpful to no one.

But if we embrace the “how much more” aspect of our Father’s love we won’t stumble over how His grace can be greater than our sin. Finally, all of this should leave us with a deeper, more profound sense of wonder, celebration and worship in regard to God. That’s never a bad thing.

CATHOLIC St. Mary’s Catholic Church 1000 4th Ave. #749-8359 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ 2215 Marvyn Pkwy #742-9721 10th Street Church of Christ 500 N. 10th St. #745-5181 Southside Church of Christ 405 Carver Ave. #745-6015 Church of Christ 2660 Cunningham Drive #745-6377 CHURCH OF GOD Airview Church of God 3015 Old Opelika Rd #749-9112 Church of God 114 17th Place #7496432 Tabernacle Church of God 3 Oak Court #745-7979 CHURCH OF NAZARENE Opelika Church of Nazarene 1500 Bruce Ave. #749-1302 EPISCOPAL Emmanuel Episcopal Church 800 1st Ave. #745-2054 HOLINESS Eastside Emmanuel Holiness Church 86 Lee Road 186 Opelika, Ala. 36804 JEWISH Beth Shalom Congregation 134 S. Cary Dr. #826-1050 LATTERDAY SAINTS Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints 510 Groce St. #742-9981 METHODIST First United Methodist Church of Opelika 702 Avenue A #745-7604 Hopewell United Methodist 1993 Lee Rd 136 #745-0460

Psalm 94:19 Pierce Chapel United Methodist 8685 AL Hwy. 51 #749-4469 Pepperell United Methodist 200 26th St. #745-9334 Trinity United Methodist Church 800 Second Ave. #745-2632 Wesley Memorial United Methodist 2506 Marvyn Pkwy #745-2841 PENTECOSTAL Full Gospel Pentecostal Church Hwy. 29, PO Box 1691 #741-8675 Gateway Community Church 2715 Frederick Rd #745-6926 PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church of Opelika 900 2nd Ave. #745-3421 Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Rd #745-4889 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Outreach Seventh-Day Adventist 1808 S. Long St. #749-3151 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Apostolic Holiness Church 610 Canton St. #749-6759 Auburn Opelika Korean Church 1800 Rocky Brook Rd #749-5386 Beauregard Full Gospel Revival 2089 Lee Road 42 #745-0455 Christ Church International 1311 2nd Ave. #745-0832 Church of the Harvest 2520 Society Hill Rd #745-2247 Church at Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy #705-0505 East Congregation of Jehovah Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. #737-1488 Emmanuel Temple of Deliverance 207 S. Railroad Ave. #745-6430 Faith Alliance Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy #749-9516 Faith Christian Center 600 S. 8th St. Faith Church 3920 Marvyn Pkwy #707-3922

Family Life Christian Center 601 S. 7th St. #741-7013 Father’s House Christian Fellowship 214 Morris Ave. #749-1070 Fellowship Bible Church 2202 Hamilton Rd #749-1445 Ferguson Chapel Church 310 S. 4th St. #745-2913 First Assembly of God Church 510 Simmons St. #749-3722 Garden of Gethsemane Fellowship 915 Old Columbus Rd #745-2686 Grace Heritage Church Opelika #559-0846 Holy Deliverance Church 831 S. Railroad #749-5682 Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. #737-1488 Living Way Ministries 1100 Old Columbus Rd #749-6241 Move of God Fellowship Church 1119 Old Columbus Rd #741-1006 Connect Church 2900 Waverly Pkwy #749-3916 New Life Christian Center 2051 West Point Pkwy #741-7373 New Life Independent Church 10 Meadowview Estates Trailer 741-9001 Opelika’s First Seventh Day 2011 Columbus Pkwy #737-3222 Power of Praise, Inc. Church 3811 Marvyn Pkwy #745-6136 Shady Grove Christian Church West Point Hwy #745-7770

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pelika O Observer

B4 May 9, 2018

OBITUARIES Mrs. Nancy J. McGinnis September 23, 1957 May 1, 2018 Nancy Jean McGinnis (Nani), daughter of Sally English (Crosson) and Johnny D. English of Opelika, AL. She was born September 23, 1957. Nancy, age 60, died peacefully with her husband and family by her side on Tuesday, May 1, 2018.

Mrs. Nancy was preceded by her son, John Michael McGinnis, as well as her mother and father. She lives on in hearts of her husband, David McGinnis of twenty-eight years; children: Kerry McGinnis (Lucinda); and Mandy Corbin (John) of Opelika, AL; two grandchildren: Emma Corbin and Diane McGinnis; two sisters: Debbie Carter of Mrs. Larraine Long September 24, 1940 – April 28, 2018 Mrs. Larraine Long, age 77, passed away on Saturday, April 28, 2018. She was born in New York, New York on September 24, 1940.

Mrs. Long was a lifelong resident of Opelika and was a graduate of Clift High School.

Linda Sue Heptinstall 1952-2018 Linda Sue Heptinstall of Opelika was born in Hamilton, Alabama on March 1, 1952 and passed away at her home on May 3, 2018. She was 66 years old.

She was a proud member of Eastside Emmanuel Church.

She is survived by her Jerry Lee Hickman Sr. "Hickey Baby" April 4, 1967May 1, 2018 Jerry Lee Hickman Sr. of Opelika, Alabama was born to Roxie and the late James Hickman Sr. on April 4, 1967 and passed away at East Alabama Medical Center on May 1, 2018. He was 51 years young.

Jerry was a hardworking, loving, caring person who touched many lives and would help anyone he could. He fought a hard, long battle with cancer like

Knoxville (Auburn); Kelli Harris (Paul) of Acworth, GA. Nancy was a former owner operator of Hair Associates of Auburn, AL. Funeral services were held at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home on Friday, May 4, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. with burial following in Garden Hills Cemetery. Visitation was held Thursday, May 3, 2018, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial gifts be given to Water.Org, where it will help provide clean water to those in need.

Mailing Address: Water.org 117 West 20th Street, Suite 203 Kansas City, MO 64108-1909 USA

Shirley A. Waller March 7, 1939 ~ May 5, 2018

Mr. Ray Cash 1960 – 2018 Raymond Joseph Cash, age 57, passed away on Monday, April 30, 2018. He was born on June 2, 1960, and was a long time resident of Opelika, AL. Mr. Cash was a graduate of Opelika High School and attended the Baptist College of Florida. Ray was employed by the city of Opelika Street Department for twenty years. He also served as a reserve pastor for several churches.

Mr. Cash is survived by his father, W.J. Cash of Waverly; his two brothers Bobby Cash of Opelika; and Russell Cash of Waverly; A memorial service was held Thursday, May 3, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home Chapel.

She was retired as a secretary with the United States Department of Agriculture with thirty years’ service. Larraine was a kind and fun loving person.

Mrs. Long is survived by her daughter, Lisa Long of Opelika; son, Jeffrey Long of Oakland, California; brother, Richard Jimenez; and grandson, Lance Burdell of Ope-

lika.

A funeral service was held on Friday, May 4, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. in the JeffcoatTrant Funeral Home Chapel.

A visitation service was held prior to the service at 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home.

Burial service followed the services at Rosemere Cemetery in Opelika, AL.

husband of 49 years, David Heptinstall; children, Brenda Black (Randy), Eugene Heptinstall (Nancy), David Heptinstall (Heather); 11 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren; brother, Gilbert Abbott (Muriel); sister, Barbara Crane (Mickey), and Betty Faye Abbott, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members.

Visitation was held in the Parlor at FrederickDean Funeral Home on Monday, May 7, 2018 from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m.

A memorial service will be held at Eastside Emmanuel Church on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Jackie Prickett officiating.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is directing.

a true warrior. He had a heart of gold and was the most giving, generous person you would ever meet.

He loved fishing, hunting, camping, going to the beach, anything outdoors and spending time with those he loved.

He married the love of his life, Liz on July 3, 1985, in Opelika Alabama. He was a dedicated member of the Blossman Gas team for 13 years.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Hickman; brother, Wayne Hickman and his stepdaughter,

Tina Lawler.

He is survived by his mother Roxie Hickman, His wife of 33 years Elizabeth Ann Hickman and their two sons, Jerry Lee Hickman Jr. (Dunior) and Jonathan Lee Hickman; their wives Amanda Hickman and Kirstie Hickman; grandchildren, Kristen, Jonathan Jr. (JoJo), Jayce, Monica, and Leah Hickman.

A celebration of Life will be held at Jerry Sr.’s home with friends and family on Saturday May 12, 2018 at 3:00 pm. Call the family for more information.

To place an obituary in the Opelika Observer, please email editor@opelikaobserver.com For pricing call 334-749-8003

Mrs. Shirley A. Waller, 79, of Opelika, passed away Saturday, May 5, 2018.

Mrs. Waller was a long-time resident of Opelika. She was retired from Auburn University; prior to that she worked as a nurse for 25 years and also worked as a secretary for the Uniroyal Tire Company for some time.

Mrs. Waller was preceded in death by her husband, Clifton Waller, in 2002.

She is survived by her daughter, Tracy Meyer of Opelika; grandchildren: Amberlee of Opelika and L.B. Stringfellow, III of Beauregard; and six great-grandchildren.

A graveside service for Mrs. Waller was held Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Garden Hills Cemetery. Visitation was held at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home from 12:00p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Reverend Larry Doster officiated.

Peggy Daniel Sellers September 2, 1932 – May 1, 2018

Peggy Daniel Sellers, 85, of Opelika, Alabama passed from this life to that of her Heavenly Home in the loving arms of her Savior Jesus Christ in the early morning of May 1, 2018, surrounded by her loved ones. Peggy fought a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Disease for the last ten years of her life.

She has been at NHC Healthcare in Moulton, Alabama for the last two years near her daughter. She was born in Riverview, Alabama and moved to Opelika, Alabama after her marriage to James Harold Sellers, with whom she shared 67 wonderful years.

Peggy dearly loved her Savior Jesus Christ, her husband, her children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Her family was her greatest joy. She loved cooking for the holidays and was famous for her chocolate pie. She helped her son and daughter-in-law with their catering company for ten years. She will be missed beyond measure.

She is preceded in death by her father, Roland Daniel; her mother, Rosa Paschal Daniel Anthony; her step-father, Irvin Anthony; her sister, Elizabeth Anthony Hudmon; her baby brother, Jimmy Daniel; her brother, Marshall Daniel; her brother, Lonnie Daniel; her father-in-law, William Sellers; and her mother-inlaw, Genova McDonald Sellers.

She is survived by her loving husband, James Harold Sellers; her daughter, Myra Sellers Yates (Johnny); her sons, James Larry Sellers (Connie); Randall Wayne Sellers (Elaine); and Anthony Harold Sellers (Judy).

Her grandchildren, Christy Sellers Duffey (Miles); Cory Gunter Sellers (Carrie); Jenna Yates Morrow (Drew); Julie Yates Taylor (Lee); Jeremy Daniel Sellers; Brittney Sellers Evans (Matt); Rachel Sellers Poythress (Brandon); Shelia Daniel (Wade); and Jody Escoe (Mandy). 17 great-grandchildren and 1 greatgreat-grandchild.

A Memorial celebration of her life was held on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home, 1801 Frederick Road, Opelika, Alabama at 4:00 p.m.

CST with Reverend Jim Dykes officiating. Visitation with the family followed in the parlor.

The family would like to express our deepest gratitude to the staff at NHC Healthcare Center in Moulton, Alabama for their excellent care and outpouring of love shown to Peggy for the last two years of her life.

Also, a special thanks to Hospice of the Valley in Moulton, Alabama for their loving care and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made in Peggy’s name to Hospice of the Valley at www.hospiceofthevalley.net.

Her children arise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.

Proverbs 31:28

pelika Observer O

A labama Politics

B5 May 9, 2018

Alabama New South Alliance endorses Mallory Hagan for Congress Special to the Opelika Observer In a meeting held last week, the Alabama New South Alliance (ANSA) endorsed Mallory Hagan for Congress. Hagan is a Democratic candidate in the race to unseat GOP incumbent Mike Rogers in the third congressional district of Alabama.

ANSA provides endorsements on behalf of the Alabama New South Coalition (ANSC), one of the most significant and active Democratic organizations in the state.

Hagan is running on a platform that includes better access to healthcare, rural community advancement , criminal justice

reform, protection of voting rights, and high wage technical training.

“I am incredibly humbled and honored to receive this endorsement from the Alabama New South Alliance,” Hagan said.

“This recognition represents more than just a political nod for my candidacy. It is a reflection of the orga-

Scott Dawson secures endorsement of Alabama's largest second amendment rights group Special to the Opelika Observer Scott Dawson, Republican candidate for Governor of Alabama, announced the endorsement of BamaCarry on last week. BamaCarry, Inc. is the largest Second Amendment rights organization in the state of Alabama that advocates for firearm legislation with a no-compromise approach.

"Alabama needs an outsider who has the passion and the vision to lead this state

towards a more bold and conservative future," the BamaCarry endorsement stated.

"Scott Dawson is the only candidate in the race who fits this bill." The endorsement said that Dawson has the conviction, character, and courage to champion Second Amendment rights, and it further urged all of its members and gun owners across the state to "elect Scott Dawson as the next Governor of Alabama."

"I'm honored to receive the endorse-

ment of BamaCarry and the support of gun owners across Alabama," Dawson said. "At every turn, liberals attempt to disarm law-abiding citizens of both our guns and our Godgiven freedoms. I believe that there's no better firearm policy than the one instituted by our founding fathers and, as governor, I will fight to restore and preserve the Second Amendment rights of the law-abiding citizens in Alabama."

nization’s belief that I am a dedicated champion for change within this state - change that requires the same strength of character that is reflected among the members, founders, and leaders of the Alabama New South Coalition. I accept this endorsement understanding my personal responsibility to work diligently in advancing

the purpose set forth

by ANSC in its mission statement - ‘to promote the general welfare of all people.’”

Hagan has also been endorsed by Lilly Ledbetter, a pioneer for women and equal rights pay, the RWDSU (Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union), and the ECU (End Citizens United).

Additionally, she earned the distinction of being a Gun Sense Candidate from Moms Demand Action.

The ANSA endorsement comes as Hagan travels around Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District talking to grassroots supporters and building support ahead of Alabama’s primary election June 5.

Todd Rauch speaks at Republican Women of East Alabama meeting Special to the Opelika Observer On Tuesday, Todd Rauch, candidate for State Representative in District 38, spoke to the Republican Women of East Alabama. He shared his background and story, along with his dedication to serving local communities when elected as the next state representative in district 38.

“This group of women are truly incredible,” Rauch said. “They’re informed, passionate, and leading the way for fellow conservative women in the East Alabama region. I’m thankful and grateful to have been given the opportunity to speak alongside our cur-

rent Governor, Kay Ivey, and current Secretary of State, John Merrill.

It was truly a fantastic lineup today and I’m humbled to be a part of it,” Rauch said.

The complete speaking lineup at the May Republican Women of E. Alabama meeting was as follows: · Kay Ivey - Candidate for Governor · Rusty Glover Candidate for Lieutenant Governor · Chess Bedsole Candidate for Attorney General · John Merrill - Candidate for Secretary of State · Jim Zeigler - Candidate for Auditor · Richard Minor Candidate for Court of

Criminal Appeals Place 1 · Chris McCool Candidate for Court of Criminal Appeals Place 2 · Bill Harris - Candidate for Lee County Coroner · Randy Price- Candidate for State Senate, District 13 · Todd Rauch- Candidate for State House, District 38 The Republican Women of East Alabama meet monthly at the Saugahatchee Country Club at 11:30 a.m. For more information about the group, opportunities to join, etc. interested parties can caontact legau@ bellsouth.net or visit Facebook.com/Republican-Women-of-EastAlabama-77351862139.

Lee County Voters League hosts candidates seeking endorsement in District 83 race

By Michelle Key Editor The Lee County Voters League hosted a meeting Tuesday night at St. James Missionary Baptist Church for the three Democratic candidates vying for Alabama House Seat for District 83 giving them opportunity to share their platforms with the public.

Jeremy Gray, Patsy

Battle, from A1

A Birmingham native, Battle said he discovered his love for politics after overhearing a breakfast conversation with then-Mayor George Siebels and a group of concerned citizens.

“One morning, I was bussing tables (at one location of his father’s restaurant chain, Britling Cafeterias), and in one corner, there was a group of businessmen and former (Birmingham) Mayor Mr. George Siebels. I remember hearing them talk about how they could make Birmingham a better place and what they could do to improve the quality of life for everyone,” Battle said. “I looked over thought, ‘wow, that is really neat.

They’re all coming together to do nothing but make their community

Jones and John Andrew Harris were each given approximately three minutes to introduce themselves to the crowd and to give details about their platforms.

THE PLATFORMS: Jeremy Gray • Envision • Engagement • Entrepreneurship Patsy Jones • Education • Jobs

• Healthcare John Andrews Harris • Being a voice of the people • Advocating for the community THE QUESTIONS “Will you continue to support the budget for the Alabama Silver Hair Legislature?”

All three candidates answered this question with a resounding yes and voiced

their committment to the senior population.

“Are you in favor in arming teachers in the classrooms?”

None of the candidates are in favor of arming teachers in the classrooms.

Gray, Jones and Harris all agreed that arming resource officers could be a option.

Also during the meeting other candidates running

the primary race on June 5 had a chance to address the audience in five-minute intervals.

Those in attendence were: • Joe Siegelman, Democratic candidate for attorney general • Sue Bell Cobb Democratic candidate for governor • Madolyn Kirby representing Walt Maddox,

Democratic candidate for governor • Dr. Adia McClellan Winfrey, Democratic candidate for Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District • Sharyn Pulling, who represented Mallory Hagan, candidate for Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District The LCVL’s next meeting will be June 4, the day before the primary.

a better place ... and that has stuck with me ever since.”

After high school, Battle pursued a business degree at the University of Alabama.

During his college years, he found his voice for politics on the school’s debate teams and as chairman of its “College Republicans” group.

Graduating in 1977, Battle’s first job after college was a manager for the “Britling on the Highlands” location.

Early career In 1984, Battle dipped his toes in the political waters by running for Hunstville’s city council. Since relocating there four years ago, he said he decided to run for the position as a way to be involved and give back to his community.

“At the time I ran for council, I was 28 years old, too young and dumb, thinking I’d win ... then I won.

All of a sudden, we looked around and said,

‘alright, now what do we do?” Battle said.

“And those four years served as a great learning experience. I was the head of the finance committee and learned a lot about how to run a city and help it grow.”

A failed bid for the mayorship of Huntsville in 1988 prompted Battle to step away from politics and start his own real estate business, a decision that he said laid the foundation for his current bid for governor.

“Those 20 years of being away from politics allowed me to raise my son and coach him in basketball, be involved and teach Bible study at my church.

Sitting out for that length of time probably prepared me to be Huntsville’s mayor in 2008,” Battle said.”

Mayor of “The Rocket City” Battle returned to politics in 2008, defeating 12-year Democratic incumbent Loretta Spencer.

During his 8-year stint as mayor, Battle cited tremendous economic growth, with Huntsville and the surrounding communities adding 24,000 jobs, $500 million worth of new roads and generating $4 billion in economic investments from companies like Polaris, Toyota, Mazda and more.

“Ten years ago when I became Huntsville’s mayor, my team and I put together a plan and strategy to improve the city. As a result, citizens saw the construction of new roads, improvements to education, additions to our infrastructure and a spike in economic growth,” Battle said.

Restoring state pride With prayer and careful consideration, Battle said he announced his decision to run for governor last year with one major goal in mind - changing the public’s perception of Alabama.

“I want Alabama

to be talked about as a ‘smart place,’ and change the conversation. Many people come here with the preconceived notions of the 60s and what we used to be, but we aren’t anymore,” Battle said.

“We do some things, have some industries in this state that you can’t find anywhere else in the world. Many times, we sell ourselves short, and we got to stop doing that. We need to focus on the great things that are happening now here in Alabama.”

With a changed public perception, Battle said it will be easier to incentivize the growth and development of industries in Alabama.

Improving and providing quality education to Alabama’s children is another cause near and dear to Battle’s heart. His wife, Eula, has more than 31 years of experience in education. After retiring, she started working for the nonprofit “Free 2 Teach,”

which provides teaching materials, supplies and equipments for Madison County’s three public-school systems and its 52,000-plus student population.

“My statement on education is this: ‘if I don’t get education right, then I don’t sleep at night.’ She (Eula) will make sure I get education right,” Battle said.

Following are some other issues that Battle hopes to address if elected governor: • standing up for small businesses by preventing the passage of harmful tax hikes or bad legislation • protecting 2nd Amendment gun rights for Alabama citizens as guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution • allowing a public vote for a statewide lottery • increasing funding from law enforcement agencies statewide.

For more information, www.tommybattle.com.

pelika O Observer

B6 May 9, 2018

Sports, from B1 paid on the first day of camp.

"The baseball camp offers, positive, safe, fun, and educational experience for young players to enhance their knowledge and experience from our highly qualified staff," Richardson said.

Camp participants will play games at the end of each session. The players are asked to bring sunscreen, a glove, bat and helmet.

For more information, email Richardson at nick. richardson@opelikaschools. org.

SPRING FOOTBALL Opelika Coach Erik

Speakman began his first spring training as head coach Monday. The 18-year assistant will practice for nine days and travel to Troy May 26 for a spring game against Niceville High School of Florida. The Bulldogs have several positions to fill following the departure of key outgoing seniors.

However, the offense will return skill players like quarterback Cade Blackmon, running back Branton Barnett and Kani Kellum.

The offensive line, will be breaking in new players.

The defense must replace several major contributors as well.

Special teams needs include a kicker and kickoff specialist.

There have been a few

changes to the coaching staff. Jonathan Chandler remains as offensive coordinator. Speakman promoted Adam Massey to take over his position as defensive coordinator. There could be an addition to the staff before fall practice.

ON THE MARK You can keep up with Opelika athletics on a daily basis by listening to "On the Mark" on the radio weekdays from 7-9 am on WTLM 1520 AM and online at wtlmam.com/listenlive.

Follow me on Twitter @ VOICEOFTHEDAWGS. D. Mark Mitchell is sports director for iHeart Media, Alabama Dixie Boys State director and vice president of the A-O Sports Council.

Notice to Licensed Contractors The City of Opelika is currently taking applications to participate in our Housing Rehabilitation and Neighborhood Revitalization projects funded by the U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Please contact Lisa Thrift, Community Development Administrator at (334) 705-5155 to request qualifications and an application.

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pelika O Observer

ing the scholarships in the Performing Arts category: Abby Esco, Lee Scott Academy, Earl Peacock Scholarship Brighton Gregory, Opelika High School, Carrie Samford Giles Scholarship Jaylen Williams, Opelika High School, SpannFreeman Scholarship Visual Arts Category: Sarah Elizabeth Brown, Trinity Christian School, received the Tom Woodward Scholarship.

Photos by Shawn Kirkpatrick Pictured top, Brighton Gregory of Opelika High School, recipient of the Carrie Samford Giles Scholarship, and bottom, Sarah Elizabeth Brown receives the Tom Woodward Scholarship.

Ronald (Ron) H. Brown was the first AfricanAmerican to serve as the United States Secretary of Commerce, as well as the first to serve as Chairman of the Democratic National Committee.

The Ron Brown Scholar Fund promotes academic excellence, awarding Scholars with $40,000 ($10,000 per year for four years) to be used at the college or university of their choice.

“Last October I wrote my essays and sent them in. When January rolled around they informed me I was one of 75 people to move forward to the semifinals.” Lowe said. “I had to write two more essays.

One on the greatest problem facing our society and the other about the organization I am most proud to be a part of.”

After he sent in his two essays, Lowe said he was chosen to be one of 30 Scholar finalists. ”They flew us all out to Washington D.C. for selection weekend. That Saturday we had five individual interview rounds from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. It was a long

May 9, 2018

Kayla Phatsadavong inks soccer scholarship with Faulkner University

Arts, from B1

Lowe, from B1

B7

Special to the Opelika Observer

OHS Senior Kayla Phatsadavong signed a soccer scholarship with Faulkner University May 9. Pictured front row (l-r): Souphao "Paul" Phatsadavong-father, Kayla Phatsadavong, Karen Phanthachith-mother. Back row: Coach Derek Hovell, Dr. Farrell Seymore-OHS Principal, Karly Phatsadavong-sister, Coach Jaclyn Waitz-OHS Girls Head Soccer Coach, and Pritchard NdairaFaulkner University Women's Head Soccer Coach.

day. That night we had a formal dinner with other previous Scholars, then flew home Sunday.”

Lowe had to wait until the following Tuesday, to find out whether he was selected to be a Scholar.

“I was called while I was at Men’s Warehouse getting my tux for prom. I was jumping and screaming in the store.”

The magnitude of being awarded a Ron Brown Scholarship doesn’t escape Lowe.

“It was very uplifting to me, because you just don’t see that many organizations for minority groups. I was in awe when I got to D.C. to see how many diverse people were contributing.

The best thing about Ron Brown is that it is a community and a family. The other Scholars coming back (to D.C.) it was like a family reunion.”

Along with the support of his mother, Lowe said two people have helped him find his way to the political arena and mentor him, Opelika Councilwoman Patricia “Patsy” Jones and Circuit Judge Michael Fellows.

Lowe said Jones has taken him to Montgomery for democratic conventions and events, where he has met many players in

the political world. Jones also helped him get a position as a page for State Senator Quinton Ross.

“Jamie has always been very interested in government. He’s a wonderful young man,” Jones said.

He’s very intelligent. He wants to know and wants to do well. He wants to give back and make a difference.”

Lowe has been an intern for Judge Fellows for the past year and said the judge is a remarkable man. “I like the way he thinks. Just watching him on the bench, he is so very wise. He speaks in analogies all the time. I’ve been keeping a quote book of things he says. He’s also helped me facilitate my community involvement.”

Judge Fellows said he has been “wowed” by Lowe.

“He is a great young man. He is not your typical highschool senior.

He’s one of those, take life by the horns, kindof guy. I think Jamie is really smart and cares about people and is really dedicated. He is going to be good at whatever he does.”

Lowe added that so many people have contributed to who he is today. “I’m grateful to the entire community.

Shawn Kirkpatrick / Opelika Observer

Even my peers have been so supportive of me. I’m class president and they all know I want to be president of the United States of America someday. They call me Mr. President. I have a very supportive class and I love them all very much.”

The list is long, but being a part of National Honor Society, Math and History Honors, Key Club, Student Government Association (SGA) and band are just some of

Lowe’s other accomplishments at OHS. “I was in band until this year. I had to let it go due to time constraints. And I hate that. I loved the band. I play the trumpet.”

Lowe will be attending Auburn University in the fall. His Ron Brown Scholarship, MLK Leadership Scholarship and several academic scholarships, will cover his tuition for four years.

After that, Lowe said he wants to attend law

school at either Princeton or Yale.

To future students, Lowe has this advice. ”I strongly recommend spreading yourself out there to see what comes your way. Even if you don’t think you might get something (scholarship) you will. It’s never healthy to doubt yourself.

Being aware of yourself is positive, but self-doubt is the most detrimental thing to success.”

B8 May 09, 2018

pelika O Observer

Highlights from Saturday’s Miracle League games

Photos by Robert Noles / Opelika Observer

Pictured are highlights from last Saturday’s Miracle League action at Billy Hitchcock Field in Opelika. East Alabama’s branch is part of a larger national group that seeks to provide a chance for children and adults with special needs access to the outdoors and the sport of baseball.

pelika O Observer Lee County Livestock Judging teams win awards in Block and Bridle Competition

B9 May 09, 2018

SUSCC awards Nan Gillenwaters Nursing Scholarship

Special to the Opelika Observer

Lee County Junior “B” 4-H Livestock Judging Team placed 2nd in the Block and Bridle at Auburn University, April 28. Left to right: Coach Autumn Spears, Allie Ann Johndrow, Mary Elliott Martin, Mercer Shirah, Jayden P’Poole and Coach Smokey Spears.

Special to the Opelika Observer Pictured are Scott and Jolaine Sims, Angela Richardson, Sue and Sam Edge, and SU Health Sciences Dean Rhonda Davis.

Special to the Opelika Observer

Special to the Opelika Observer

Lee County Junior “A” Livestock Judging Team placed 1st in the Auburn University Block and Bridle Show. Left to right: Autumn, Faith P’Poole, Hunter, McHugh, Thompson and Smokey.

Members of Southern Union State Community College’s Opelika campus are pleased to announce that Angela Richardson has been awarded the Nan Gillenwaters Nursing Scholarship.

The scholarship is awarded to a second year nursing student who has displayed academic excellence as well as leadership in the college, com-

munity and church.

The scholarship was established in memory of Nan Sims Gillenwaters, a graduate of Southern Union’s nursing program, by family and friends.

Gillenwaters was a nurse for 30 plus years working at Lanier Memorial Hospital in Lanett, ClarkHolder Cancer Center in LaGrange, Ga., and East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika.

“Nan’s attitude and dedication made her

an outstanding nurse.

She was well respected by doctors and patients alike,” commented Sam Edge, Gillenwaters’ cousin.

“She loved to give back to people, so we are so pleased to honor her memory by giving to these students in her name.”

For more information about this or any other scholarship opportunity at Southern Union, call the financial aid office at 256-395-2211.

Niffer’s on the Tracks hosts tequila tasting, benefit dinner last week

Special to the Opelika Observer

Lee County Junior “B” 4-H Livestock Judging Team placed 2nd in the Block and Bridle at Auburn University. Left to right: Autumn, Johndrow, Martin, Mercer Shirah, P’Poole, and Smokey.

Special to the Opelika Observer

How to Feel Great at EAMC.

Volunteer!

Special to the Opelika Observer Niffer’s on the Tracks held a Tequila Tasting and Benefit Dinner last Friday night. Local musician Dallas Dorsey played music for the 42 guests while they dined at the chicken fajita bar and on chicken, steak and pork carnitas, along with homemade rice. For dessert, Niffers served key lime pie, which was the hit of the night.

Guests sipped on several different types of tequila, as well as special tequila cocktails made with kiwi and strawberries.There was also Muchacho Beer from Good People Brewing Company. All proceeds from that night’s raffle, went toward the recovery of Dana Vincent of Groomingdales.

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pelika O Observer

B10 May 9, 2018

Recipes, from A7 pork tenderloin that Dale was going to cook on the grill. She decided to put it in the Instant Pot, and it was ready in five minutes.

Scarlotte has been ordering groceries online for pickup, which has been a help to her. As she thinks of items she needs at the grocery store, she will go ahead and put it in her online shopping cart. She can also add items from her iphone.

She tries to serve healthy meals. Dale hunts and goes fishing.

He keeps the freezer filled with duck, wildlife and fish. They dine on a lot of elk.

Scarlotte enjoys entertaining and cooking for family on holidays.

Generally, the Vaughns spend Mother’s Day at the beach with family. This year they will attend services at First Baptist Church of Opelika and then go out for lunch. Scarlotte and Anita meet once a week for lunch. They enjoy beach vacations and spending time together.

Scarlotte is also close to Dale’s parents, and they enjoy time with them as well.

Anita and Randy’s two other children are: Lindsey and her husband, Tyler, who live in South Carolina, have

two children, Gardner, 3, and Tap, 2 years old; son George and his wife, Rachel, have a son, 1 year old Chip, and live in Opelika.

Last year, the family almost lost Tap when he fell in the pool at his home. “He would have died if Lindsey had not known how to do CPR,” says Anita.

“I believe that God has gone before us many times,” she adds. “This past year Randy had a serious health condition that many don’t survive.

God orchestrated everything that saved his life.”

Anita was able to get Randy in the car to take him to the emergency room at East Alabama Medical Center. Quick thinking by the medical staff saved his life. A friend prayed for them in the emergency room before the surgery.

“Every day is a blessing,” says Anita. “Sometimes we get busy and forget. Then, we stand back and realize that every breath is a miracle and a blessing.”

On Mother’s Day Anita and Scarlotte will celebrate their family, motherhood and all of the blessings in their lives.

“Being a mother is the best thing in the world,” says Scarlotte.

“It is the greatest gift.

The kids definitely keep me on my toes, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Ann Cipperly can be contacted at recipes@ cipperly.com.

Recipes Crab Cakes Scarlotte Vaughn 1 lb. fresh lump crabmeat 1 large egg, beaten ¼ cup mayonnaise Juice of ½ lemon Worcestershire, couple of dashes 1/4 tsp. Sriracha (or hot sauce of your choice) 1/4 tsp. Old Bay Seasoning 2 green onions, diced ½ cup panko breadcrumbs 1 tsp. salt Pepper, to taste Peanut oil (or vegetable oil) for sautéing, enough to cover the bottom of pan

Topping: Remoulade Sauce (recipe follows) Combine above ingredients (except the oil) and form into patties.

In a large skillet, over medium heat, sauté crab cakes in oil until golden brown (a few minutes on each side).

Let them drain for a few minutes on paper towels before serving.

Remoulade Sauce: 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1 Tbsp. Cajun mustard 1 Tbsp. lemon juice Dash of hot sauce In a small bowl or cup, whisk together all ingredients, then dollop over top of each crab cake.

Shrimp & Grits Scarlotte Vaughn 6-8 slices bacon Grits for 4 servings 2 chicken bouillon cubes Gouda cheese, grated 1 Tbsp. olive oil ½ medium onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced Salt and pepper 25-30 large shrimp, peeled and de-veined Old Bay Seasoning Cayenne pepper 2 Tbsp. white wine 1 cup heavy cream Green onion, chopped Cook bacon until crisp, set aside to cool and reserve a little bacon grease.

When preparing grits according to package directions, add chicken bouillon cubes to boiling water before adding grits. When cooked, stir in

grated Gouda cheese; set aside and keep warm.

Add a little olive oil to the bacon grease and sauté onion and garlic until tender, seasoning with salt and pepper. Add shrimp (season with Old Bay and cayenne) and sauté for 1 minute or until pink. Remove shrimp and onion mixture to a bowl.

Deglaze pan with white wine and cook for a few minutes.

On medium-low heat, add cream and cook down for a few minutes to reduce the sauce until it becomes a little thicker.

Add shrimp and onions to the cream sauce just to heat through. Season with salt and pepper, if needed.

Serve immediately over grits and top with bacon crumbles and green onion.

Grilled Maple Salmon Scarlotte Vaughn 4-6 fresh salmon filets ½ cup pure maple syrup ¼ cup soy sauce 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tsp. ginger, minced Pepper Pepper the top of the salmon filets and place them in a plastic bag. In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together all other ingredients and pour over salmon.

Marinate for 30 minutes.

Grill over high heat for about 4-5 minutes per side starting with meat side down (skin side up).

When you flip, pour the marinade over the salmon as it continues to cook. Serve immediately.

Peach Trifle Given to Scarlotte Vaughn by her mother-in-law, Jane Vaughn 3 cups heavy cream 3/4 cup granulated sugar 2 tsp. vanilla extract 1/2 tsp. almond extract 8 oz. mascarpone cheese 1 (5.3 oz.) vanilla Greek yogurt 6 fresh peaches (about 2 lb.)

1 (14.4 oz.) pkg. graham crackers (about 27 crackers) Fresh mint sprig for garnish Beat cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract with an electric mixer on high until stiff peaks form.

In a separate bowl, beat mascarpone cheese and yogurt together until smooth.

Fold into whipped cream mixture and set aside.

Gently rub peaches under running water to remove fuzz. Cut into 1/8-inchthick slices (you will have about 8 cups).

Spread a thin layer of cream mixture on the bottom of a trifle dish. Cover the cream with a single layer of graham crackers, breaking some crackers to fill in the gaps. Add a layer of peach slices to completely cover the crackers. Repeat layers, ending with the cream mixture.

Cover and chill for 4-12 hours. Top with remaining crushed cracker pieces and garnish with mint, if desired. Serve cold.

Summer Tomato Pie Given to Scarlotte Vaughn by her mother, Anita Brown 9-inch pie shell 3-4 fresh ripe tomatoes, sliced 1/4 cup green onion, chopped 10 fresh basil leaves, chopped 1 cup mayonnaise (I use Duke’s) 1 tsp. Worcestershire 1 tsp. hot sauce of choice (optional - I use Sriracha) 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 1 cup mozzarella or Swiss cheese, shredded Bake pie shell at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Let it cool.

Lay sliced tomatoes out on paper towels and pat dry. Salt tomatoes and continue to let sit on paper towels for 15-20 minutes to drain.

Preheat oven to 350.

Combine mayonnaise, Worcestershire and hot sauce. Fold in shredded cheeses.

In the bottom of the pie shell layer half of the tomato slices. Salt and pepper the tomatoes, then add half of the basil and green onion followed by half of the cheese spread. Repeat layers. Bake for 350 for 30 minutes or until lightly browned.

Cut into slices and serve warm.

Slow-Cooked Turkey Thighs Given to Anita Brown by her mother, Irmgard Cottingham 4-6 turkey thighs 2 cans Campbell’s beefy mushroom soup Salt Pepper Lemon pepper Smoky turmeric Trader Joes 21 Seasoning Salute Sprinkle each thigh with seasonings. Place turkey in casserole dish or slow cooker.

Add the soup over top.

Bake in the oven at 350 for 2 hours or in a slow cooker on high for 4 hours.

Serve with egg noodles.

Squash Casserole Anita Brown 6-8 medium squash, sliced thin 2 Tbsp. butter 1 onion, diced 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded 1 box French fried onion rings Sauté the squash and

onion in butter until soft.

Mix in one cup of cheese.

Place mixture in a greased casserole dish, then top with remaining cheese.

Bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until cheese has melted.

Top with fried onion rings then and place under broiler for a few minutes or until lightly browned.

Foreman Tomato Salad Given to Anita Brown by her mother-in-law, Elna Brown 2 large cans whole tomatoes, drained until liquid is gone 2 hard boiled eggs, diced 1/2 cup celery, diced 1/2 cup onion, diced 1/4 cup Wickles Pickle

relish 2 sleeves saltine crackers, crushed Add drained tomatoes to a bowl. Add the eggs, celery, onion, pickles and half a sleeve of crushed crackers. Top the whole salad with the remaining crushed crackers.

Refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts Scarlotte Vaughn 10-12 Brussels sprouts, ends trimmed and then cut in half lengthwise ¼ cup olive oil 1 ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. pepper 3 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar Sea salt Freshly ground black pepper Preheat oven to 400

degrees. Place Brussels sprouts, olive oil, salt, pepper and balsamic vinegar in a bowl; toss with your hands.

Spread out mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast the Brussels sprouts for 25-30 minutes, until they’re tender and nicely browned. Turn once during roasting.

Remove from the oven, taste for seasonings and serve hot.

Crescent Chicken Squares Scarlotte Vaughn 2 (3 oz.) pkg. cream cheese with chives, softened 6 Tbsp. butter, divided Meat from one rotisserie chicken 4 Tbsp. milk 2 Tbsp. diced pimento Salt/pepper to taste 2 (8 oz.) cans crescent dinner rolls Italian breadcrumbs (for coating) In medium bowl, blend cream cheese and 4 Tbsp.

Hershey Bar Pie Anita Brown 6 (1.35 oz.) Hershey Bars with almonds 1/4 cup milk 1 (8 oz.) tub Cool Whip 1 store-bought piecrust Cook piecrust according to package instructions.

Unwrap chocolate

butter until smooth. Add the next 5 ingredients and mix well.

Separate crescent roll dough into 8 rectangles (4 per can). Press perforations together to seal. Spoon ½ cup chicken mixture into center of dough. Pull the 4 corners up to the top and twist slightly to seal.

Melt remaining 2 Tbsp. butter and brush on tops of dough. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Bake on cookie sheets at 350 for 25 minutes.

bars, break them up and place them in a nonstick pot over low heat.

Add milk and stir until melted. Once melted, set aside to cool, then fold in the whipped topping.

Pour into cooked crust. Place in refrigerator for at 3-4 hours.

Slice and serve cold.

FOOD RATINGS Salud Es Vida 3778 Pepperell Pkwy Opelika Score: 99

Bizilia’s Cafe 2000 Pepperell Pkwy Opelika Score: 98

J.R.’s Steakhouse Downtown 9571 Lee Road 246 Smiths Station Score: 99

Sushi Bene 1888 Ogletree Road Auburn Score: 97

Our Home Pharmacy 2320 Moore’s Mill Rd Auburn Score: 99 Tacos el Michvacanoo 1409 S. College St. Auburn Score: 99

Howie’s Mouth of the South 9063 Lee Road 246 Smiths Station Score: 97 Terry’s Get-N-Go 9209 Lee Road 246 Smiths Station Score: 97

pelika O Observer

B11 May 9, 2018

LEGALS STATE OF ALABAMA IN THE PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY DOCKET NO. 2018-A- 224 RE: ESTATE OF MARY C. FOSTER, DECEASED:NOTICE OF PUBLICATION Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the24 th day of April, 2018, by the Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Luqman Moore, Plaintiff, V. CV-2018-900159 A Parcel of Real Property described as: From the Southwest Corner of Section 24, Township 19 North, Range 25 East,Lee County, Alabama, run North 1155.0 feet; thence East 660 Feet to an Old Corner; thence South 88 degrees 30 minutes East 360.0 feet and thence South 88 degrees 50 minutes East 140.0 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING of the property to be here described, this point being the Southeast corner of the lot shown on the plat marked “Margaret Matthews” on the Survey for Johnnie Williams et.al. recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama in Deed Record 667 at Page 97 on 10 September 1964. From this POINT OF BEGINNING run North 88 degrees 50 minutes West 104.0 feet; thence North 0 degrees 50 minutes East 310 feet; thence South 89 degrees 09 minutes East 264 .0 feet;

Notice to Contractors Lee County Project No. LCP 41-149- 18 Lee County, Alabama Sealed bids will be received by the Lee County Commission at 102 S. 6 th Street, Opelika, AL 36801 or mailed to P.O. Box 666, Opelika, AL 368030666 until 10:00 AM on June 5, 2018 and at that time publicly opened at the Lee County Courthouse, 215 S. 9 th Street, Opelika, AL 36801, for constructing the Full Depth Reclamation, Resurfacing, and Traffic Stripe on various public roads in Lee County, AL. Minimum Length – 4.8 mi.

The Entire Project Shall Be Completed in Fifty (50) Working Days.

Plans and Proposals are IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA ESTATE NO. 2018-A-226 IN RE: ESTATE OF MARY L. KELLEY, DECEASED - PETITION TO PROBATE WILL - NOTICE OF HEARING BY PUBLICATION TO: Any unknown heirs of Mary L. Kelley, deceased or her husband Phillip C. Kelley, Jr., Deceased Angela Kelley, address unknwon (adult daughter of Phillip C. Kelley, Jr., deceased) Phyllis Kelley, address unknown (adult daughter of Phillip C. Kelley, Jr., deceased) Please take notice that a Petition to Probate the Will of Mary L. Kelley, in the above styled matter has been filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama by Petitioner Sherry D. Tharpe Oliver and that on the 19th day of June, 2018, at 10:00 A.M. (Central Time), has been set for a hearing on the

NOTICE TO CREDITORS PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY ESTATE OF PRINCIE MAE ECHOLS, Deceased LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION WITH THE WILL ANNEXED (Cum Testamento Annexo) of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 26th day of April, 2018, by the Honorable Bill English, Probate Judge of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

BILL ENGLISH, Probate Judge Legal Run 5/2/18, 5/9/18 & 5/16/18

to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Kathy Ledbetter, also known as Kathie Ledbetter, Executor Claud E. (Skip) McCoy, Jr., Esq. Attorney for Executor Johnson, Caldwell & McCoy, LLC 117 North Lanier Avenue, Suite 201 Lanett, Alabama 36863 (334) 644-1171 Legal Run 5/2/18, 5/9/18 & 5/16/18 thence South 0 degrees 50 minutes West 63.5 feet; thence North 88 degrees 50 minutes West 160 feet; and thence South 0 degrees 50 minutes West 250 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING; together with any and all other improvements thereon, containing acres, more or less, AND Margaret Matthews,and/or the unknown heirs of Margaret Matthews, Defendants.

NOTICE OF ACTION To: All Defendants herein, whose whereabouts are unknown and which cannot be ascertained after the exercise of reasonable diligence. You are hereby notified that on the 21st day of March, 2018, a complaint to quiet title was filed in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, and the following are the names of all parties to the action: Luqman Moore, as Plaintiff; Margaret Matthews, and/or the unknown heirs of Margaret Matthews, as Defendants, whose status and whereabouts are unknown and cannot be ascertained after the exercise of due diligence, and who are believed to have claimed some right, title,

available online at http:// www.leeco.us/business/ commission_office/current_bids.php, or at the Lee County Highway Department (ph. 334-737- 7011), 100 Orr Avenue, Opelika, AL 36803. A Bidding Proposal may be purchased for $5.00. Plans may be purchased for $2.00 per set. Checks should be made payable to the Lee County Commission. Plans and Proposals will be mailed only upon receipt of remittance.

Cashier’s check or bid bond for 5% of bid (maximum $10,000.00) made payable to the Lee County Commission must accompany each bid as evidence of good faith.

The bracket range is shown

INVITATION TO BID BID# 18030 Sealed bids for the construction of the Tiger Town Roundabout and Improvement Project shall be received at the Opelika City Hall Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time on Tuesday, May 8, 2018, and then publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties are invited to attend. Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered. At the time of contract award, the successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor. No bid will be accepted from anyone except a qualified Contractor licensed by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors.

Drawings and Specifications may be examined at the Office of the City Engineer located at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama.

Phone number: 334-7055450 Bid documents may be obtained from the Office of the City Engineer at no charge as an electronic file if the bidder supplies a storage drive or as an email attachment or electronic drop box.

The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished to him/her by the City of Opelika.

All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted.

A Bid Bond in the amount of five (5) percent of the bid amount made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each bid. Performance and Payment Bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities.

Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, Purchasing-Revenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama, 36803-0390.

Attn: Tiger Town Roundabout and Improvement Project LILLIE FINLEY- PURCHASING REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5120 Legal Run 5/2/18 & 5/9/18

Public Notice and Public Hearing NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY AND APPLICATION The City of Opelika announces anticipated funding availability under the CDBG Program Year 2018 an estimated $256,532 of Federal grant funds for activities such as Commercial Revitalization, Housing Rehabilitation and Neighborhood Revitalization projects.

A portion of this funding is planned for sub-recipients such as community groups and non-profits.

Applications for funding are available at the Public Works Facility, 700 Fox Trail, Opelika or by contacting the Community Development office at (334) 705-5155.

Applications are due at the Community Development Office by 4:00 p.m., Thursday, May 31, 2018.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND COMMENT The City of Opelika invites public comment on actions to be taken

with the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program funding. Your ideas and suggestions for projects are welcome. This meeting is an opportunity for staff, citizens, and non-profit organizations to express community needs prior to setting the PY2018 budget.

A public hearing will be held on Thursday, May 31, 2018 @ 5:00 p.m. in the Public Works/ Planning chamber at 700 Fox Trail. Public comment and questions are invited either in writing or in person and will be accepted until June 22, 2018. Comments may be sent to: Lisa Thrift CDBG Administrator P.O. Box 390 Opelika, AL 36803 or lthrift@opelika.net If special accommodations are needed to participate at the hearing by persons with disabilities please contact Lisa McLeod, the City’s ADA Coordinator at 705-5131 at least forty-eight hours in advance.

Legal Run 5/9/2018

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, STATE OF ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF Arne N. Moi, Jr., DECEASED Notice of Appointment to be Published by CoExecutrix Letters Testamentary of

the Estate of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 27th day of March, 2018, by the Honorable Bill English Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama. Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are hereby required to present

the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Debra Jean Moi Obert and Christine Ann Moi Duke, as Co-Executrix of the Estate of Arne N. Moi, Jr., Deceased.

Legal Run 4/18, 4/25, 5/2 & 5/9/2018.

CITY OF OPELIKA NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARINGS TO: RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA AND ALL OTHER INTERESTED CITIZENS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Opelika, Alabama will hold a regular meeting and will be conducting public hearings on Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers in the Public Works Administrative Building located at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama. The purpose of the public hearings is to receive public comment on the following: 1. A public hearing on a request by James L. McCrory, authorized representative for James N and Martha M. Osment, property owners, for preliminary and final plat approval of the James Osment subdivision consisting of 2 lots accessed at 4300 block of Ridge Road (Lee Road 390).

2. A public hearing on a request by James D. Miller, authorized representative for Jackie G. Sr. & Dorothy V. Prickett and Jackie G., Jr. & Vic-

toria Prickett, property owners, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Fairway subdivision, a resubdivision of Parcels A1 & A2, consisting of 3 lots accessed at 368 Lee Road 708.

3. A request by Danny Dunlop, authorized representative for Dunlop Development, Inc., property owner, for final plat approval of the McDonald Downs subdivision, 1 st Addition, consisting of 11 lots accessed at the terminus of McDonald Drive.

4. A public hearing on a request by Charles W. Nobes, authorized representative for Watwood Investments.

LLC, property owner, for conditional use approval for an automobile auction located at 1701 North Uniroyal Road.

5. A public hearing held by the Planning Commission on proposed text amendments to the Zoning Ordinance: Section 8.13 Townhouse Development Standards.

The following other agenda items are included for review as “Other Business” at the May 22 nd Planning Commission meeting: 7. Statutory Review, City of Opelika, 501 South 10 th Street, C-2, GC-S,

New Police Station and Municipal Court 8. Statutory Review, City of Opelika, Sportsplex Road (new street from the intersection of West Point Parkway/Anderson Road to Andrews Road All interested persons are invited to attend the meeting/public hearings and be heard. Written comments concerning the above matters may be mailed to the Planning Director at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama 36801 at any time prior to the meeting/public hearings and may be further submitted to the Planning Commission at the meeting/public hearings.

The Planning Commission reserves the right to modify or alter any of the proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and to make its recommendations accordingly to the City Council.

Please contact Lisa McLeod, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334-7055132 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability.

PLANNING DIRECTOR LEGAL RUN 5/9/2018

NOTICE TO CREDITORS, PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, CASE NO.: ESTATE OF ROY FELTON McCURRY, deceased NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of Roy Felton McCurry deceased having been granted to Martha Faye Gowan on

interest or claim in and to the property described as follows: A Parcel of Real Property described as: From the Southwest Corner of Section 24, Township 19 North, Range 25 East, Lee County, Alabama, run North 1155.0 feet; thence East 660 Feet to an Old Corner; thence South 88 degrees 30 minutes East 360.0 feet and thence South 88 degrees 50 minutes East 140.0 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING of the property to be here described, this point being the Southeast corner of the lot shown on the plat marked “Margaret Matthews” on the Survey for Johnnie Williams et.al. recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama in Deed Record 667 at Page 97 on 10 September 1964. From this POINT OF BEGINNING run North 88 degrees 50 minutes West 104.0 feet; thence North 0 degrees 50 minutes East 310 feet; thence South 89 degrees 09 minutes East 264 .0 feet; thence South 0 degrees 50 minutes West 63.5 feet; thence North 88 degrees 50 minutes West 160 feet; and thence

only to provide general financial information to contractors and bonding companies concerning the project’s complexity and size. This Bracket should not be used in preparing a bid, nor will this bracket have any bearing on the decision to award this contract.

The bracket estimate on this project is from$810,054 to $990,066.

The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished him or her by the Lee County Highway Department. Prequalification is not required.

The right to reject any or all bids is reserved.

Ala. Code § 39-3- 5 applies to this project. In accordance with Ala. Code § 39-3- 5(a),

same in said Court located at 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, Alabama. Please be advised that if you intend to contest this Petition to Probate the Will of Mary L. Kelley, that you must file a written response within thrity (30) days hereof with the Clerk of said Probate Court and with counsel for said Petitioner, and/or you must appear at hearing scheduled in this matter.

Petitioner: Sherry D. Tharpe Oliver 376 Lee Co. Road 243 Smiths Station, Alabama 36877 Attorney for Petitioner Raymond L. Jackson, Jr., ALSOBROOK JAKCSON PO BOX 3575 Auburn, AL 36831-3575 (334) 991-3143 DONE this the 27 day of April 2018 s/Bill English/ PROBATE JUDGE LEGAL RUN 5/9/18, 5/16/18, 5/23/18 & 5/30/18

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF RAYMOND LANGSTON HALL, Deceased.

TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Geri H. Rheinheimer, as Executrix of the Estaet of Raymond Langston Hall, Deceased on the 18th day of April, 2018 by the Honorable Bill English.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by Law or the same witll be barred Geri H. Rheinheimer, Executrix.

LEGAL RUN 5/9/18, 5/16/18, 5/23/18

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO. 2018-A-167 IN RE: The Estate of SHIRLEY CURRAN, Deceased TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Donald Durgin, as Executor of theEstate of Shirley Curran, deceased, on the 28th day of March, 2018, by the Honorable Bill English.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed

by Law or the same witll be barred. /s/Donald Durgin Executor of the Estate of Shirley Curran, deceased.

Legal Run 5/2/18, 5/9/18 & 5/16/18

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUTNY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: EVA BRYANT, Deceased NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that a Petition for Summary Distribution of a Small Estate of said deceased having been filed on the 11 day of April 2018, in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama.

Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by Law or the same witll be barred.

Earl Bryant Jr., Petitioner Legal Run 05/09/2018

the 25th day of April, 2018, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama.

Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Mathra Faye Gowan Legal Run 5/2/18, 5/9/18 & 5/16/2018

South 0 degrees 50 minutes West 250 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING; together with any and all other improvements thereon, containing acres, more or less.

All persons having an interest in said lands or any portion thereof, claiming any title thereto or any encumbrance or lien thereon, are hereby directed to plead, answer, or otherwise respond to the Complaint on or before the expiration of 30 days after the last publication of this notice, or thereafter suffer judgment by default to be rendered against them, it being intended that this notice shall be used to perfect service against all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint.

Done this the 26th day of April, 2018. /s/ Mary Roberson Mary Roberson Circuit Court Clerk, Lee County J. Brandon Rice Attorney for Plaintiff Rice & Parr 830 Avenue A, Suite A Opelika AL 36801 Legal Run 5/2/18, 5/9/18, 5/16/18, 5/23/2018

“…. preference shall be given to resident contractors, and a nonresident bidder domiciled in a state having laws granting preference to local contractors shall be awarded Alabama public contracts only on the same basis as the nonresident bidder’s state awards contracts to Alabama contractors bidding under similar circumstances; and resident contractors in Alabama, as defined in Section 392-12, be they corporate, individuals, or partnerships, are to be granted preference over nonresidents in awarding of contracts in the same manner and to the same extent as provided by the laws of the state of domicile of the nonresident.”

Legal Run 5/9/2018

See Legals, page B14

B12 May 9, 2018

pelika O E ntertainment

Last week’s answers:

5-2 SCRAMBLER ANSWERS: 1), Endow 2), Feature 3), Draped 4), Scowl Solution: Seafood

pelika O Observer

B13 May 9, 2018

COMICS

There is a thin line that separates laughter and pain, comedy and tragedy, humor and hurt.

-Erma Bombeck

pelika O Observer

B14 May 9, 2018

Community Calendar: Events around town

Ongoing: • Village Friends/Village Values is a nonprofit organization that supports seniors who prefer to stay in their own homes as they grow older. For info or to schedule a presentation to your group, call 334-209-4641. For the website, Google “village friends village values.”

• The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR chapter is appealing for sweaters, jackets, trousers, shirts and socks, women’s clothing, soft soap in individual containers, shaving supplies, disposable razors, denture cleanser, toothpaste and toothbrushes, DVDs, games, books and magazines to take to veterans at the CAVHCS in Tuskegee. The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR Chapter regularly visits veterans living in assisted living, the homeless domiciliary and psych (trauma) ward in Tuskegee. Donations are tax deductible and will be much appreciated. Pick up is provided.

Please call Linda Shabo at 887-6659 or at 256-3071449.

Mondays: • “Gimme A Break” Support Group for autism parents will be held from 9-11 a.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika. This is a monthly event on the first Monday of each month for parents to connect with each other.

• The John Powell American Legion Post 18 and Auxiliary meets the third Monday at 7 p.m. at 910 West Point Parkway in Opelika.

• The Opelika Community Band practices from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Auburn High School band room.

Everyone is welcome, amateurs and professionals alike.

• Smiths Station Military Chapter of Military

Legals from B13 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ANNA M. STARR, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to FLOYD T. STARR, III and ALVIN W. STARR, as Co-Executros of

Officers Association of America (MOAA) meets weekly at Mike & Ed’s at 5 p.m. For more information, call 297-5581 or visit www.nonukesforiran.org.

• The Lee County Voters League meets the first Monday of every month at St. James Missionary Baptist Church, located at 1335 Auburn St. in Opelika.

• The Touched by Suicide Support Group meets the first Monday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at the East Alabama Medical Center Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway. For more information, contact Deborah Owen, EAMC’s director of Psychiatric Services at 334-528-4197 or deborahowen@eamc.org.

• The fourth Monday of each month a Community Grief Support Group meets from 5:30–6:30 p.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center. No reservations are necessary; everyone is welcome. For more information call 826-1899 or 502-0216.

• T.O.P.S (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly), a weight loss support group, meets every Monday night from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Covington Recreation Center, 213 Carver Ave., Opelika. For more info contact Mary Johnson, 749-1584.

• The Lee County Commission meets the second and last Mondays of each month at the courthouse beginning at 5 p.m.

• The Commercial Horticulture Extension Team organizes webinars to provide quick updates for producers on various topics of interest. Whether you are interested in the proper way to plant fruit trees or have questions in turf management, these webinars cover a wide range of subjects. Webinars are streamed live via Panopto on the last

Monday of every month starting in January and ending in November.

During the presentation, participants can send questions via email. The webinars also are recorded and stored in the archive on the Beginning Farmer website. Webinar topics include: trap cropping for reducing squash insect pests, cowpea curculio updates, nutsedge control, introduction to potting mixes in ornamental container production, dealing with drought in commercial horticulture crops, and many more.

To view the full schedule, please visit www.aces. edu/anr/beginningfarms/ webinars.php. Please send questions during the presentations to Ann Chambliss, thameae@auburn. edu. For questions regarding the webinar series or for providing suggestions, please email Dr. Ayanava Majumdar at bugdoctor@ auburn.edu.

Tuesdays: • Ballroom Dance Classes at the Opelika Sportsplex from 7-8 p.m. every Tuesday. Instructor is Cody Wayne Foote. For more info call Diane at 749-6320.

• A monthly educational program on topics for autism parents, caregivers and teachers will be held on the second Tuesday of each month at Trinity United Methodist Church, 800 2nd Ave., Opelika from 6-7:30 p.m.

Childcare is provided, but reservations need to be made by contacting Maria Gutierrez at mariag@ leecountyautism.com to make sure there are enough volunteers.

• The East Alabama Old Car Club meets every first Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Monarch Estates Clubhouse, located at 1550 East University Drive, Auburn. A program of interest to the old car enthusiast is pre-

the Estate of Anna M. Starr, deceased, on the 3rd day of May 2018, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by Law or the same witll be barred.

Michael E. Short Adams, White Oliver Short & Forbes, LLP 205 S. 9th Street, P.O. Box 2069 Opelika, AL 36803-2069 (334) 745-6466 Legal Run 5/9/18, 5/16/18 & 5/23/18

NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE UTILITIES BOARD OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the regular May 28, 2018 meeting of the board of directors of The Utilities Board of the City of Opelika will be held on May 21, 2018 begninning at 3:00 P.M. in the board room of the Administrative Building located in the W. Warner Williams

sented. Car ownership is not required.

• The Opelika City Council meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7 p.m.

Meetings are preceded by non-voting work sessions that typically begin about 6:30-6:45 p.m.

• Every second Tuesday, a country, gospel and bluegrass music jam session is held at Pierce Chapel United Methodist Church in Beauregard.

The event is free and open to the public. Those who play an instrument should bring it and plan to join in. The jam session is held from 6–8 p.m. 8685 AL Highway 51.

• A Grief Support Group meets at Oak Bowery United Methodist Church Tuesdays at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. for anyone dealing with the pain of loss and feeling the need for support on their journey as they attempt to bring order and wholeness back into their life. Attendance and participation is strictly voluntary for any and all sessions. There are no fees or charges involved. The church is located on U.S. Highway 431 – eight miles north from Southern Union State Community College and Opelika High School.

For more information contact Bill Parker at 4590214 or 706-518-9122.

• The Auburn Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol meets every Tuesday evening from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Auburn University Regional Airport. The Civil Air Patrol is a non-profit organization that is Congressionally chartered to be the civilian auxiliary of the Air Force and focuses on three missions: aerospace education, cadet programs and emergency services.

For more information visit www.auburncap.org or find the organization on Facebook.

Wednesdays: • The second Wednesday of each month a Community Grief Support Group meets from 10-11 a.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center. No reservations are necessary.

For more info call 8261899 or 502-0216.

• Auburn-Opelika Chapter of Citizen’s Climate Lobby (CCL) meets every fourth Wednesday.

CCL is a non-profit, nonpartisan, grassroots advocacy organization focused on national policies to address climate change. We consider a national carbon fee which would be distributed as a dividend to all U.S. households as the most important solution to climate change. Meetings are held at the Hubert and Grace Harris Center Meeting Room (425 Perry St., Auburn, AL 36830 --directly across from the Auburn, AL U.S. Post Office), 7:00-8:30 p.m. To

Water Resource Park, 4055 Water Street, Opelika, Alabama. The meeting agenda will be posted as specified in State law. This is further to advise that the regular scheduled meeting of the Board for May 28, 2018 has been cancelled.

DATED this the 23rd day of April , 2018.

Herbert Slaughter SECRETARY OF THE UTILITIES BOARD OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA LEGAL RUN 05/09/2018

learn more about CCL go to our website: citizensclimatelobby.org.

• The John Powell American Legion Post 18 and Auxiliary hosts Bingo every Wednesday night at 6 p.m.

• Every Wednesday is Wine Down Wednesday at the Bottling Plant Event Center from 5 - 8 p.m.

Thursdays: • The Teal Magnolias Gynecological Cancer Support Group meets the second Thursday of every third month at 6 p.m. at EAMC Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway. For more information on the Teal Magnolias, email tealmagnoliasAL@yahoo.com or find them on Facebook.

• TNT – Teens N Transition is a monthly program for teens and young adults ages 14 and up. The group uses this time to learn social skills as well as connect with others on the autism spectrum. They have enjoyed cooking, bowling, laser tag, movies and game nights. This event is held the third Thursday of each month.

Visit leecountyautism. com for more information.

• Opelika-Auburn Newcomers’ Club provides a variety of programs for the betterment of the Auburn/Opelika community to assist women transitioning into the area or to help women adjust to recent lifestyle changes.

The club meets on the third Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. for a luncheon at various local restaurants. Please call 770-845-2277 for more information or luncheon location of the month.

• The Bosom Buddies Breast Cancer Support Group meets at the Health Resource Center at 6 p.m. the first Thursday of each month.

• T.O.U.C.H. Cancer Support Group meets the third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at EAMC’s Health Resource Center. This is a support group for people living with any type of cancer or their families and friends.

Call 334-528-1076 for more information.

• American Legion Auxiliary Unit 152 meets the first Thursday of every month at 11 a.m. at Niffer’s Place, 917 S. Railroad Ave. in Opelika.

• May 15 - Trinity United Methodis Church is partnering with CarePoint Resources to host a free community CPR training course May 15 at 6:30 p.m. The session will include full training on proper use and handling of an automated electrical defibrillator, recognize the signs of choking and more. Seats are limited, and can be reserved online at www.comunitycpr. us. TUMC is located at 800 2nd Ave. in downtown Opelika. For more

information, call 334-7452632.

• May 15 NAMI East Alabama, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), meeting will be at 7 PM on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, 714 East Glenn Avenue in Auburn. NAMI supports families dealing with mental illness through mutual support, education and advocacy. There will be a time for sharing. The public is invited.

• May 19 Watoola United Methodist Church in Opelika is having its 42nd annual “BBQ and Bake Sale” May 19 from 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Half pork and chicken plates will cost $9, and will include Brunswick stew, coleslaw, dill pickles and sliced bread. Drinks, utensils and napkins will also be provided. Pints of Brunswick stew and barbecued pork will be available for $6. Members of the church’s “United Methodist Women” group will offer homemade baked goods, ranging from bread and cakes to cookies. For more information, call 334-749-7000. The church is located at 1370 Lee Road 38 in Opelika.

• June 9 - The “Greater Valley Juneteenth Community Festival” will be held June 9 from 10 a.m.

- 5 p.m. EST. Hosted by Goodsell United Methodist Church, the event will include a health fair, voter registration booth, moonwalks for children, games, car show, live entertainment, food vendors and more. Those interested in vending can learn or download application forms online at www. juneteenth.com. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Carmen McCoy at 706-501-9069 or Dr. Randy B. Kelley at 256-390-1834. The church is located at 1007 N. 6th Ave. in Lanett.

• Auburn/Opelika MOPS & MOMSnext Summer Play Dates May 24: Auburn/Opelika MOPS & MOMSnext is a community for moms with kids ages 0-15. Meet us at the Splash Pad at the Opelika SportsPLEX at 10:00 for some fun in the sun. We’d love to have you join us. For more information about this event and our group visit our facebook page:www. facebook.com/AuburnOpelikaMOPS/ • June 21: Meet us at the next Opelika Fire Station for a Tour!

• July 19: Meet us for a fun craft at Monkey Park in Opelika.

• August 30: Meet us at George’s Farmers Market for a fun day on the farm.

Email editor@opelikaobserver.com to place your community events.

Auburn, Opelika’s farmers markets open this month Special to the Opelika Observer The OGrows Farmers Market will open next Tuesday. The market is located at 1103 Glenn St. in Opelika and will be open each Tuesday afternoon through the

summer from 3-6 p.m.

The Auburn’s Farmer’s Market will begin tomorrow. It is located at the Ag Heritage Park, at 925 Camp Auburn Road in Auburn and will be held from 3-6 p.m. each Thursday afternoon during the summer.